Look for signs that your child might benefit by advancing a grade. According to Inderbir Kaur Sandhu, from the Brainy-Child website, watch for simple day-to-day behavioral patterns. Keep an eye out for signs that include maturity, above-average use of English, fast learning, a long attention span and an excellent memory.
Have extensive evaluations done. Test your child for their academic skill level and their ability to adjust. According to "Parents Guide to Raising a Gifted Child" by James Alvino, the child should have an IQ higher than 130 before a trial basis bump to the next grade. Consider what your child will miss. Material covered in fifth grade include the American Legal System and its history. Fifth grade also gives the student preparation for middle school. Information covered might be missed by advancing past the grade.
Talk to the teachers and principal. Discuss the current progress of your child in the fifth grade. Speak to the 6th grade teacher to ensure support from both the previous and soon-to-be educators. Some schools are reluctant to advance children, and may require evidence of the child being gifted.
Place your child in a trial grade change. Putting your child in the trial program helps identify if your child is ready for the new grade, or any sort of special program. Children need to have their confidence protected. Put your child in the trial-program first to ensure that there is no ill-effect to the child if they are returned to their original grade. Children can view it as a demotion and lose self-confidence.
Support your child. Not every child succeeds when advanced a grade. Some information might be hard for your child to understand, so go over the new material with him. Explain concepts and ideas to help your child get accustomed to the new grade's curriculum.