In most cases, you can't let these kids just drift along with their peers. In a mixed-ability classroom, teachers can tier different levels of instruction, to help meet the needs of the individuals in the class. For example, the teacher will take one topic, then provide different texts or products based on the different abilities within the class. The end result is that gifted kids stay in the classroom, along with their peers, yet they are challenged at a higher level. Usually a comprehensive plan that involves a concerted effort by both parents and teachers to keep the exceptional child stimulated is best, notes James Alvino, author of Considerations and Strategies for Parenting the Gifted Child .
Parents are truly the guardians and nurturers of their children's talents.
Enrichment programs such as Junior Great Books, Odyssey of the Mind, Omnibus, National Geography Bee, spelling bees and science fairs. These types of programs can give exceptional children the extracurricular stimulation they need to stay challenged. Some schools offer pull-out classes during regular school hours that are designed to further challenge exceptional students. If you're lucky, your school may even offer individualized child-study teams who meet to determine the needs of highly capable students. Some schools have specialized teachers for exceptional students, while others offer classes or instruction by regular education teachers with an interest in exceptional students.