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SM CWP3 for newly 7yo


MrSmith
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I am looking for advice and experiences from other parents who have BTDT. My question is, what should I be expecting from DS in terms of his ability to comprehend and solve the challenging questions at this level? We worked through CWP2 (finished in June), and the challening questions were easy for him at that time.

 

My son (who turned 7 last week), is now finishing up Primary Math Standards Ed. 3B this week. All through PM3 he seemed to have had little trouble with the concepts or the actual work. He solved the TB word problems with minimum fuss (using bar model as needed).

 

We have been slowly working through CWP3. I have found that he has little trouble with the 'Practice' level questions. However, he seems to have quite a bit of trouble understanding the 'Challenging' level questions.

 

Each week, I pick out one challenging level question. Then he gets an opportunity to work through it by himself, after which we discuss. Every now and then, he can solve one by himself, but mostly we talk our way through them.

 

Most of the time, as we discuss the problem (via Socratic method) he can follow along and answer prompts. Sometimes though he stares at me like I have three heads.

 

Is it reasonable that for his age (newly 7) and math ability (above average) he should be able to follow along?

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Is it reasonable that for his age (newly 7) and math ability (above average) he should be able to follow along?

 

I just go at the speed of my child. Some things are hard, some easy.

 

As for 'should', it really equates to what is considered average ability. When someone says a 7 year old 'should' be able to do xxx, they are saying an *average* 7 year old should be able to do xxx. So the word does not apply to gifted kids.

 

Here are a few things that can slow a student down:

1) he is tired, hungry, thirsty, etc

2) he is a 7 year old boy and would rather be playing outside

3) the material is not interesting to him

4) he has hit a temporary plateau for whatever reason.

5) The material is just getting harder, so he has to think about it more.

 

At 7 there really is no hurry, and gifted kids are pretty unpredictable in the pace that they learn things. I say just continue with what you are doing and don't worry about it.

 

Ruth in NZ

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Ruth, thank you for your sage advice. I sometimes forget he still trips over his laces! :D

 

At least he wears laces. :001_smile: Mine still can't at 10.

 

I second everything Ruth said. I remember CWP3 being a stretch for my DS too. It comes when it comes. :001_smile: Keep talking him through it and keep assigning one or two problems for him to think about for longer periods of time. This builds stamina and patience which he'll need lots of if he hits upper levels earlier.

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I am not clear on how you are using SM. Are you not using the workbook?

 

IMHO, SM is designed to depend on the text and work book combo. If you are using these two resources as intended, then the child should have basic competency in the materials presented. The IP, CWP, etc are optional add-ons.

 

If that is the case, then some of the CWP and/or IP materials should present significant challenge and sometimes be unsolvable for the child and/or require parent help. So long as the child understands and can do the level of work in the WB and the reviews in the WB, then you can move along without complete mastery of the challenge problems in the various resources.

 

I know some people use SM w/o the text and/ or workbook. If you are using it that way, I suggest reconsidering your approach.

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