This effect seems to be frighteningly powerful. Apparently professional athletes are disproportionately more likely to be born in the 2nd half of the school year [0]. They simply grow bigger and show athletic promise a few months earlier than their peers, which leads to them being identified as promising athletes.<p>It seems to be incredibly powerful to give a child a positive label in this way. It also makes you wonder how many talented kids get left behind for the opposite reason.<p>I guess I have a tendency to root for the underdog, but I think it should be part of a teacher&#x27;s job to consciously avoid falling victim to this effect.<p>I&#x27;m not saying this is what happened to your son - if he learned to read at 3 I&#x27;m sure he&#x27;s pretty smart anyway. And if I ever have a child, I&#x27;ll do anything I can to give them an advantage. The education system, on the other hand, should be aiming for fairness, not labeling kids as &quot;smart&quot; or &quot;sporty&quot; while they&#x27;re still in primary school.<p>[0] <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.bbc.co.uk&#x2F;sport&#x2F;olympics&#x2F;18891749" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.bbc.co.uk&#x2F;sport&#x2F;olympics&#x2F;18891749</a>