http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/262304/Can-a-performing-arts-support-left-and-right-brain-functionsstrenghs- My 4 year hold thrives when creating and performing her own songs and dances. She has an amazing memory and learns quickly. I want to place her in a school that will respect and explore the arts. However, I also want her to feed the other side of her brain: the analytics, the maths and science side. She's 4. I don't want to limit her-- I want to help her explore all options and strengths. She missed the cut off for public kindergarten this year. She'll be 5 in December. So I'm paying for private Kindergarten in daycare. She's already starting to read/write. I'm concerned she'll repeat the same cirriculum next year. I want her to be stimulated. Where is there a good balance? Are performing Arts schools an option for young children? Or is it best to wait until High School? GreatSchools en-us trooper Great advice from socalgirl! She is learning because she is supported, love, and secure. Sometimes children burn out and lose their passion when they are placed in situations at too ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/262304/Can-a-performing-arts-support-left-and-right-brain-functionsstrenghs-?cpage=1#comment_278610 5100.278610 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:32:43 -0700 SoCalGal Listen to Healthy -- she's said it all.I wouldn't worry about whether or not your daughter is gifted. Support her passions, enjoy her adventures and watch what happens. http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/262304/Can-a-performing-arts-support-left-and-right-brain-functionsstrenghs-?cpage=1#comment_262822 5100.262822 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:21:07 -0700 healthy11 Often it is the intensity and passion and ability to "make connections" between new situations and events that do distinguish a gifted child from one who may just have "book ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/262304/Can-a-performing-arts-support-left-and-right-brain-functionsstrenghs-?cpage=1#comment_262802 5100.262802 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:27:44 -0700 marundale Thanks! Last part of my question--- I promise. How do you know when your child is gifted? It's not that she can sing or dance or write or read or ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/262304/Can-a-performing-arts-support-left-and-right-brain-functionsstrenghs-?cpage=1#comment_262773 5100.262773 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:58:16 -0700 healthy11 I wanted to concur with what SoCalGal has said, but add the caveat that it's often difficult to find programs for early elementary age children in the college and museum ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/262304/Can-a-performing-arts-support-left-and-right-brain-functionsstrenghs-?cpage=1#comment_262700 5100.262700 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:27:46 -0700 SoCalGal Affordable is sometimes a bit more difficult because sometimes children like your daughter need LOTS of enrichment.However, I've found that programs connected with colleges, museums, libraries etc also tend to ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/262304/Can-a-performing-arts-support-left-and-right-brain-functionsstrenghs-?cpage=2#comment_262661 5100.262661 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:50:24 -0700 marundale All good advise. I just remember getting good grades in elementary school and no one noticed that I was bored and the work was too easy. I think it's hard ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/262304/Can-a-performing-arts-support-left-and-right-brain-functionsstrenghs-?cpage=2#comment_262325 5100.262325 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 07:44:04 -0700 SoCalGal Great question!There is research that supports the idea that arts education supports development of critical thinking skills however, I'm not sure that you will find many schools that concentrate on ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/262304/Can-a-performing-arts-support-left-and-right-brain-functionsstrenghs-?cpage=2#comment_262316 5100.262316 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 07:35:01 -0700