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Starter Barbie

by Tamara McKee

I'm not normally prone to endorsing dolls, however, my daughter simply loves her recently gifted Easy for Me1-2-3 Barbie. Created for younger girls aged three and up who are just beginning to practice dexterity skills, Easy For Me delivers easy-to-dress clothing and easy-to-handle accessories, When my daughter was a pre-schooler, her Barbies were often in a state of undress, much to her older brothers' chagrin. They named these dolls "Naked Barbie". Easy for me 1, 2, 3 circumvents this modesty issue with painted undergarments. No more 'Naked Barbie'. Packaging too is easy to manage, no inbearable twist ties! At a retail price of $9.99 at most retailers this makes an ideal new back-seat toy for the long car trip. For ages three and up.

posted 10.07.07

Should Your Child Skip a Grade?

(MS) � There is so much attention devoted to children who aren�t making the grade that one often forgets about those who are succeeding and may, in fact, be far ahead of their classmates. Have you considered if you should allow your child to skip a grade?

Most educators believe that children should be allowed to develop their educative talents. Lack of academic or intellectual challenge may lead to disengagement or disinterest in school. Restlessness, boredom and even behavior problems may ensue in students who once had bright futures ahead of them. Given this, acceleration may be the solution. Acceleration is a term used to categorize a number of academic strategies used to put academically gifted children on par with their skill level. While it has become synonymous with grade skipping, there are many other forms of acceleration. Some students may be allowed early entry to kindergarten, middle school or high school. Others can combine coursework from different grade levels but still remain among peers of the same age. Still others can consider self-paced instruction or early graduation. All options can be looked at, and acceleration should be a decision made in concert with the student, parent and school administration.

How Do I Know My Child Should Be Accelerated?
This is something that should be considered carefully and discussed first with the student and then the school. Review these questions:
1. What is the learning style of the student? Will skipping a grade or doubling up on coursework fix the problem? Could a private school, homeschooling or alternate coursework be a better idea?
2. Is your child physically and emotionally able to skip a grade? Will he or she be able to mingle with peers who are older? Students who are socially and emotionally mature tend to be better candidates for acceleration. If the idea is scary to the student or causes undue stress, skipping a grade as a form of acceleration may not be the best option.
3.�Is this something the child wants to do? Acceleration should never be something forced upon a student. Does the child think he or she is ready for the pros and cons that come with the decision to skip ahead?

Making the Transition Easier On Students
If the child is going to be accelerated by the grade-skipping method, there are steps parents and educators can take to make this smoother.
1. Schedule it at the beginning of the year or at a natural transition point, such as moving into a new school or building.
2.�It is generally recommended that children only skip one grade at a time. This way social and emotional development may not be compromised. If it is feared that the subject matter will continue to be too easy for the child, an alternative form of acceleration should be explored.
3. The teacher on the receiving end of the grade skip should be open to the idea and willing to acclimate the new student into the classroom. It is also important for the teacher to prepare the other students in the class for the younger student. Other accommodations may need to be made. For example, a younger student may be able to comprehend the subject matter, but may have skills lacking in other areas, such as handwriting or verbalization, due to age.
4. The student may need a little extra instruction outside of the classroom to catch up or fill in the gaps in coursework resulting from the grade skip. A tutor or some extracurricular mentoring may be enough.
Generally, when the decision for acceleration is made carefully the results are positive. The large research base clearly shows that acceleration works out very well for most students who skip a grade or advance in a subject.

02.08.07