Should Children Skip a Grade in Elementary School

Skipping a grade at the elementary school level has both good points and bad points. The decision whether to move a child up a grade should be examined carefully, and the parents should be included. They know the child better than anyone, and are better equipped to determine what's best for their child.
In most cases a gifted child is too smart for the grade he is in. The work seems too easy for him. This causes boredom, loss of interest in their studies, and even disruptive behavior in the classroom.

Remaining in the grade for their age forces them to work at the pace of the other kids. A child that has to do this sometimes loses all interest in even going to school. A solution to this is allowing the child to advance to a higher grade. If a child skips a grade there are several things to consider. The child needs to be well adjusted emotionally and socially. If they are not, the thought of making new friends and having a new teacher can terrify them. On the other hand, meeting other kids who share the same intellectual level as them can be a rewarding experience. They might even make friends quicker than they did in the previous grade.

An alternative to skipping a grade is taking advanced courses in classes such as math and science. The child can remain in his grade level, and have specific classes with the higher grades. Some educators have their doubts about advancing gifted students. They fear it hinders their social and emotional development. Others feel the education system is neglecting the gifted students. They feel that a child shouldn't have to study material they already know. Whatever the decision, the choice should be for the good of the child.