For those who have had an accelerated math student

[arcara]

My dd is in 3rd grade doing Saxon 65. She's also doing Life of Fred's Fractions. She's doing fine with these and I wouldn't even say that she's being that challenged. I was just following the cycle through, assuming one level per year...

 

4th grade - Saxon 76

5th grade - Saxon 87 or Saxon 1/2 (I never know which one we're supposed to do!)

6th grade - Algebra (not necessarily Saxon from here on)

7th grade - Geometry

8th grade - Algebra II

9th grade - Calc I

10th grade - Calc II

11th grade - ??

12th grade - ??

 

Does that look right? Of course, I'm assuming that she doesn't get 'stuck' somewhere and need more than 1 year per course. Have any of you been in this situation? What do you do? Suggestions from those of you who have BTDT? Curriculum suggestions? I'm not really asking about 11th and 12th grades, but about the years before that, especially our next few years. Thanks!!

 

My husband is a Ph.D. math professor, and my kids get free tuition at his college, so they can start going there whenever they're ready, so she could start there for math in 11th grade, I think, if she's ready. Or, I guess she could study something with my hubby teaching???

[musicianmom]

I think there's usually a year of Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus after Algebra 2, isn't there?

 

(Speaking only as a former student.)

[Jane in NC]

I think there's usually a year of Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus after Algebra 2, isn't there?

 

(Speaking only as a former student.)

 

Some curricula include trig with Algebra II; others do not cover trig until Precalculus. Not all curricula are the same, despite the titles of the books.

 

Some students could perhaps make the jump from Algebra II/Trig to Calculus, but Precalculus often solidifies things for them.

 

I would like to warn the original poster that one cannot anticipate the same pace of mathematics she sees now on an annual basis. When hormones kick in, all bets are off. Also, not all children are able to move into the abstraction of algebra at a young age. If your student excels in math, I would suggest that she be exposed to topics not normally seen in elementary mathematics. Since your husband has a PhD in mathematics, I am sure that he can look over supplementary books from something like the Anneli Lax series published by the MAA (Mathematical Association of America) for additional topics.

 

Best,

Jane

[Wildiris]

You might want to take a look at Teaching Textbook Math(TT, I think that is the right name?). Saxon Math can get too repetitive for a child who excels in math.

 

With my DD I used Calvert Math to start, Saxon math 54 in third grade along with Singapore Math up through Saxon 76 and Singapore 6B. In Sixth grade we switched to Chalkdust Pre -Algebra. I compared, online, TT Pre-Algebra with the Chalkdust and felt the Chalkdust more challenging. However, I will take a closer look at TT and may go that path with my five-year-old daughter who excels at math also.

[kpupg]

FWIW, my son was on a similar track, but I slowed him down, then he went and taught himself calculus off-schedule LOL. Most programs do have a year of pre-calculus or whatnot between Algebra and Calculus.

 

I slowed my son down by adding a year of predictive statistics (LOF) and design of experiments (my old college text). Also, he will do a year of "pre-calculus," which will be trig, analytic geometry, and other topics of his choice. He already knows 75% of that material, but we need the paper trail for college admissions .... Then I plan for him to take calculus at the local uni. I wanted him slowed down so he would be 16 before entering the uni. environment, not any sooner, for social/emotional reasons.

 

However, the little stinker didn't respect my schedule, and he went and taught himself calculus just for grins. He keeps the calc book by his bed, a little light reading at bedtime, ya know? LOL

 

Well, I guess it just means that his official high school math will be almost all review, including the calculus at the uni. I'm kinda glad about that -- it will be like old friends, and leave him more energy for the social and academic adjustment to college environment work. At least, I hope so.

 

As another poster mentioned, social/emotional issues will become much larger as your student enters puberty. If your student is a fanatical math-lover, that probably won't be a problem, but if math isn't their primary interest ... who knows.

 

Enjoy!

Karen

[nmoira]

Art of Problem Solving has a number theory course, and I'll probably have DD the Elder do it after Algebra. Here's an opinion piece at AoPS about the Calculus Trap; it was eye opening for me.

 

I know you're not looking to fill in the later years, but I'm a big fan of having statistics & methods before college. The material isn't difficult, but I'm amazed at how many people have a mental block about it because of a negative introductory experience.

[RJH]

DS finished TT5 after Xmas. Since then he is doing LOF fractions, and like your DD, he's not being challenged with it. I have TT6 ready for him to start, but I was hoping to wait till Sep. I've also been supplementing with some of the Critical Thinking math books. I don't have the rest of his school years planned out. I'm just going to follow his lead, and (try to)keep him challenged. :001_smile:

[C_l_e_0..Q_c]

You might want to consider some extra math.. Statistics, Finance.

[Mandy in TN]

My ds is using Saxon 54. Today at any rate here are my thoughts. We are doing Saxon for topic introduction and repetition, Kumon for drill/computation mastery, and we have used Singapore Intensive Practice, MBP Patterns, and (hopefully next week) Lollipop Logic for concept exploration.

 

1st grade- Saxon 65 (practices and lessons only); Kumon D/E; Singapore Challenging Word Problems 2/3

2nd grade- Saxon 76 (practices and lessons only); Kumon F/G; Singapore Challenging Word Problems 4

3rd grade- either Saxon 87 (practices and lessons only) or Chalkdust Pre-Alg; Kumon H; Singapore Challenging Word Problems 5

4th grade- Chalkdust Alg1; Kumon I; Singapore Challenging Word Problems 6

5th grade- Chalkdust Geometry; Kumon J; AoP

6th grade- Chalkdust Alg2; Kumon K; AoP

7th grade- Chalkdust PreCalc; Kumon L; AoP

8th grade- Chalkdust Calc1; Kumon M; AoP

 

Planning is fun, but I acknowledge that these plans will undoubtedly change.;)

Mandy

[arcara]

Thanks for all your posts! I agree that she may not keep up this pace. Actually, I was hoping to slow her down over this year and next, taking a year and a half with Saxon 65 and another year and a half with 76, but it's not working that way. She would be really bored doing it any slower than she is now. Oh, well. I guess we'll see how things go

[Mandy in TN]

Art of Problem Solving has a number theory course, and I'll probably have DD the Elder do it after Algebra. Here's an opinion piece at AoPS about the Calculus Trap; it was eye opening for me.

Interesting article.

My thoughts had been to keep ds moving forward as his ability and interest allowed. Granted this is a limited and linear path, but it could potentially allow for higher math before puberty. Since I have two older sons who at the onset of puberty suddenly became incapable of anything requiring prolonged and/or intense focus, this has sounded like a good idea.

So, you tentatively plan to have your dd stop the standard sequence after Alg1 and spend a year exploring other math topics. Will you then return to complete the standard sequence before moving on to statistics and methods? Also, why stop after Alg1 instead of before Alg1 or after Alg2?

Curious-

Mandy

[nmoira]

So, you tentatively plan to have your dd stop the standard sequence after Alg1 and spend a year exploring other math topics. Will you then return to complete the standard sequence before moving on to statistics and methods?

Statistics and methods we'd probably leave until after Calculus, though this will depend on her needs in science. Because of this, and of course her age, all timing is tentative. My primary concern is getting her the math she'll need for confidence any discipline she may wish to enter (as opposed to merely meeting admission requirements). If she chooses to push on beyond college level Calculus and Algebra... to real math :) ... that's up to her. [My sense is that DD the Younger will be following a more traditional sequence, though we'll see.]

 

Very tentatively, here's the sequence I'm currently considering. I've recently realized I've been underestimating DD the Elder's interest in math and I'm giving her her head.

 

LoF: Pre-algebra books

misc topics from Singapore 5-6 and Mathematics 6 to catch the few things not covered in LoF pre-algebra

Algebra 1&2 (maybe AoPS Algebra 3, not necessarily in sequence)

Number Theory (AoPS, optional)

Counting and Probability (AoPS, optional)

AoPS Math Contests/Problem Solving (if, and as far as she's interested)

Geometry/Trig

Calculus 1&2

Statistics

 

Anything after this will depend on how much time is left and her degree of interest. :)

 

Consumer and Business math will get thrown in there somewhere. I've also been long looking at the logic sequence from eIMACS; these would be optional and might be appropriate for summers, but I haven't yet figured out how these can be scheduled around Calculus. Not that it matters at this point as we've got lots of time.

 

Also, why stop after Alg1 instead of before Alg1 or after Alg2?

We'd stop after Algebra because you need Algebra for Number Theory... and for most things that aren't arithmetic. One of my few fond memories of high school was Number Theory. Back then, we had a fifth, university prep, year. The Gr. 13 Algebra course was mostly Number Theory and was tremendous fun. Edited April 3, 2009 by nmoira
typo

[Mandy in TN]

Statistics and methods we'd probably leave until after Calculus, though this will depend on her needs in science. Because of this, and of course her age, all timing is tentative. My primary concern is getting her the math she'll need for confidence any discipline she may wish to enter (as opposed to merely meeting admission requirements). If she chooses to push on beyond college level Calculus and Algebra... to real math :) ... that's up to her. [My sense is that DD the Younger will be following a more traditional sequence, though we'll see.]

 

Very tentatively, here's the sequence I'm currently considering. I've recently realized I've been underestimating DD the Elder's interest in math and I'm giving her her head.

 

LoF: Pre-algebra books

misc topics from Singapore 5-6 and Mathematics 6 to catch the few things not covered in LoF pre-algebra

Algebra 1&2 (maybe AoPS Algebra 3, not necessarily in sequence)

Number Theory (AoPS, optional)

Counting and Probability (AoPS, optional)

AoPS Math Contests/Problem Solving (if, and as far as she's interested)

Geometry/Trig

Calculus 1&2

Statistics

 

Anything after this will depend on how much time is left and her degree of interest. :)

 

Consumer and Business math will get thrown in there somewhere. I'm also been long looking at the logic sequence from eIMACS; these would be optional and might be appropriate for summers, but I haven't yet figured out how these can be scheduled around Calculus. Not that it matters at this point as we've got lots of time.

 

We'd stop after Algebra because you need Algebra for Number Theory... and for most things that aren't arithmetic. One of my few fond memories of high school was Number Theory. Back then, we had a fifth, university prep, year. The Gr. 13 Algebra course was mostly Number Theory and was tremendous fun.

 

Thanks-

Food for thought!

Mandy

[arcara]

I do think that link for "The Calculus Trap" article is interesting!! I finally had the chance to look at it. I'll have my hubby take a look at it and the AofPS courses. Thanks so much for passing this along!! This is a great recommendation.

[Hoggirl]

We started out using Saxon as well. When he was young we did math year-round. B/c there is so much review in Saxon I allowed him to "test out" of the first 8 tests anytime we would start a new book. As long as he got a 90% or better (he always did) I let him keep moving. This allowed him to accelerate quite a bit. I will say that, by the time we got to Saxon 7/6 he was really starting to disklike math. The lessons had too much review. So, after completing about 85 lessons in 7/6 we switched to Chalkdust. He did Chalkdust Pre-Algebra in grade 4, Chalkdust Algebra I in grade 5, and will be finishing up Chalkdust Geometry in a few weeks for Grade 6. I am really glad we made the change in curriculum. I think Saxon laid a super foundation, but I am glad we did not stay with it long-term. The first year of Chalkdust was challenging for him, though he did pretty well. He is an only (as am I) and would get really frustrated if he didn't "get" something right away. It was also a switch going to a mastery approach. I plan to carry on with Chalkdust. We do math for one hour per day. So, far he has completed each text within one school year, but I have "heard" that their Pre-calculus text takes a year and a half. Next year he will do Chalkdust Algebra II as a 7th grader, but I don't care if he completes the book in one year or not. I truly wish I could do some of the math competition stuff with him, but there is no group nearby, and I certainly can't be in charge! I think my ds would really enjoy doing something like this. If this is also not an option for you, I would encourage you to incorporate some logic puzzles into your day as well.

 

I try not to worry about where my ds is. We just keep on keepin' on. But, even if we take a couple of years to do the Pre-Calc text that is going to put him in Calculus at Grade 10. So, I do understand your concerns.

[arcara]

Thanks! Saxon has been working for us so far, but I've been worried about using it long term. That's interesting to know about 76. Actually the 'incremental' approach of Saxon is kind of 'slow' for her sometimes. One of her lessons this week was just to teach that you have to line up decimal points before adding and subtracting. She thought it was rather ridiculous. I think I've been sticking with Saxon because it's 'safe.' What to do?? Thinking, thinking... :)

 

Thanks again for all of your advice!

[BabyBre]

I think SWB recommends Saxon 8/7 only if the child is not quite ready for Algebra 1/2, so that's something you'll have to determine when you get there. She also warns that geometry is integrated into the higher Saxon levels and so, if you start Algebra with Saxon, it's important to complete the other Saxon levels (through Advanced Mathematics) in order to get the equivalent of a full geometry course.

 

I was just looking at this progression for my dc.

[Donna]

I think SWB recommends Saxon 8/7 only if the child is not quite ready for Algebra 1/2, so that's something you'll have to determine when you get there. She also warns that geometry is integrated into the higher Saxon levels and so, if you start Algebra with Saxon, it's important to complete the other Saxon levels (through Advanced Mathematics) in order to get the equivalent of a full geometry course.

 

I was just looking at this progression for my dc.

 

My oldest did Saxon through 87 (but skipped 76). He then did Saxon Algebra 1, Jacob's Geometry (for a full Geometry course), and now is working through Teaching Company Algebra 2 (along with Saxon Alg. 2). He is going to public school by his own choice (sports reasons). Once I know what school decides to do with him, math-wise, I will figure out whether or not to have him continue doing math at home (Algebra 3/Trig).

[KAR120C]

So, you tentatively plan to have your dd stop the standard sequence after Alg1 and spend a year exploring other math topics. Will you then return to complete the standard sequence before moving on to statistics and methods? Also, why stop after Alg1 instead of before Alg1 or after Alg2?

We started mixing up the standard sequence after Algebra 1 because at that point he had almost all the tools he needed for other things.... enough that we could fill in gaps as they came up.

 

What we're doing now, and what I plan to continue, is alternating years -- one year of "progress" and one year of "tangent". So:

 

Algebra 1 (last year)

Statistics (this year)

Geometry and Mathematical Logic (next year)

Counting and Probability or Number Theory (AoPS)

Algebra 2 (although by then we might have done a lot of it...)

Another AoPS

PreCalculus

Calculus

 

It isn't as "neat" as it looks... We've actually been dabbling in Geometry for two years now, so next year should be a breeze (making it more likely that we'll add in something else on top of it, and Counting/Probability is at the top of the list!), but I like to keep some pretense of order for transcript purposes.

 

I put Statistics right after Algebra 1 because (as Moira mentioned) he did need it for science.... and because he's surrounded by statisticians among our friends, so it's mixed into the dinner table conversation ;) But you can do an Algebra-based Statistics or a Calculus-based Statistics, and we're definitely doing the former. There have been a few little Algebra 2 topics I had to explain (logarithms come to mind...) but nothing he couldn't pick up on the fly. The "downside", if you can call it that, is that I'm not sure when we get to Algebra 2 that we won't have already covered most of it in bits and pieces. So the plan is subject to change! :)

[Mrs Ives]

My eldest math geek did 2 levels/yr using the standard sequence. In addition, since he was my first homeschooler and I was afraid that he might miss something, I even had him do those useless 6th, 7th, & 8th grade books. (They're useless because they just repeat previous work and then introduce Algebra, which will be covered again in the real course.) I use Spectrum Math workbooks for K-8 because they only cover the basics with no liberal social commentary in the story problems. Workbooks also mean that younger kids with limited fine motor skills don't have to write out any of the problems - meaning that it just goes faster with less nagging.

 

In high school I switched to Saxon Pre-Algebra because by then I was trying to slow him down. Big mistake, both in the choice of Saxon and in picking Pre-Algebra. The Pre-Algebra fiasco only lasted 2 months - of daily fighting to get him to do his work. I finally figured out that he was bored, so I bumped him up to Algebra and just had him take chapter tests until he finally got to one that he only got 80% on. But we still had battles over doing the work. Next I had him only do the odd numbered problems as long as he could still pass the tests with 90% or better. But we still had battles. I finally got him to tell me that he HATED all of that repetition. Well duh, I should have figured that out myself. We switched to Lial for the remainder of high school math, although we use the college version of the textbooks because they come with lots of support materials at much cheaper prices due to universities continually assigning more recent editions of the books. It's math. Who cares if it's last year's edition? Anyway, after all of this fighting over math my son decided that he hated math and we continued to have battles to get him to do his work every day. Finally, I told him that as soon as he could pass the CLEP Calculus exam he'd never have to do math again. He passed the test when he was 12 and didn't do math again until he needed Calculus II for his college major when he was 14.

 

Math geek #2 is happily going through his math work with only a requirement that I sit next to him and keep him company while he does his work. With him, I slowed him down to the standard high school pace once he got to Algebra. I'm shocked at how slow this really is - he only spends about 20 minutes a day on math. He'll be finishing Lial's Intermediate Algebra around his 11th birthday next month.

 

I've offered to have them branch out into a broader spectrum of math, but the only kid I've had do this is my non-math geek daughter who also hates math, but has just discovered that she absolutely loves the old college level Logic textbook that I had on our shelves. I was quite happy to have her temporarily bail out of her 2nd year working through the Saxon Pre-Algebra text that my math geeks hated. Yes, we did finally find a use for that book. It turns out that breaking down the problems into itty-bitty pieces and then repeating it over and over again was just what my non-math geek kid needed. (Wouldn't it be so much easier if everyone just learned the same way so that I could get away with only buying one textbook for each subject?!) BTW, my daughter was accelerated at the lower grades for math which turned out to be a hugh blessing when she hit a wall with Algebra. Being ahead means that she's got plenty of time to spend learning the hard stuff - for her that's Algebra.

 

The End. --Mrs Ives

[fractalgal]

My dd is in 3rd grade doing Saxon 65. She's also doing Life of Fred's Fractions. She's doing fine with these and I wouldn't even say that she's being that challenged. I was just following the cycle through, assuming one level per year...

 

4th grade - Saxon 76

5th grade - Saxon 87 or Saxon 1/2 (I never know which one we're supposed to do!)

6th grade - Algebra (not necessarily Saxon from here on)

7th grade - Geometry

8th grade - Algebra II

9th grade - Calc I

10th grade - Calc II

11th grade - ??

12th grade - ??

 

Does that look right? Of course, I'm assuming that she doesn't get 'stuck' somewhere and need more than 1 year per course. Have any of you been in this situation? What do you do? Suggestions from those of you who have BTDT? Curriculum suggestions? I'm not really asking about 11th and 12th grades, but about the years before that, especially our next few years. Thanks!!

 

My husband is a Ph.D. math professor, and my kids get free tuition at his college, so they can start going there whenever they're ready, so she could start there for math in 11th grade, I think, if she's ready. Or, I guess she could study something with my hubby teaching???

 

My 9 year old daughter is accelerated in Math as well. I just purchased the RS Geometry for her to work on this summer for fun. She loves both math and drawing, the combination seemed like a good mix to me.

 

Another idea for your daughter is to introduce set theory and mathematical logic to her - equating math symbols to words. Slowly work her into an understanding of mathematical language and symbols.

 

Also - adding in either the Singapore Math IP and/or CWP workbooks levels 4,5,6. Any type of problem solving work is good practice and builds mathematical endurance.

 

Let her play with math a bit. ;)

[wimseycat]

My 12 yo DS is in 7th grade and doing Pre-Calc. The second semester has been entirely trig. Most people I know that use Saxon skip 87 and go to 1/2 if they have a gifted math student. That being said, for gifted math kids I have been recommending Teaching Textbooks. Most kids can't stand the repetitiveness of Saxon especially if they know what they are doing.

 

I anticipate that after Calc next year my son will exercise the "Youth Options" program in our state and take math at our local university - something you mentioned as an option for your child.

 

Another option could be a year of statistics/probability. You might want to also look into some eimacs courses. http://www.eimacs.com

 

Annika

[chaik76]

Thanks for all your posts! I agree that she may not keep up this pace. Actually, I was hoping to slow her down over this year and next, taking a year and a half with Saxon 65 and another year and a half with 76, but it's not working that way. She would be really bored doing it any slower than she is now. Oh, well. I guess we'll see how things go

We're planning to add a year of Statistics for our advanced-in-math son. I have a feeling he'll get bogged down somewhere so I'm planning for at least one math course to take longer than a year. If it doesn't I'll probably outsource some advanced math courses to the local university.

[Storm Bay]

I would like to warn the original poster that one cannot anticipate the same pace of mathematics she sees now on an annual basis. When hormones kick in, all bets are off. Also, not all children are able to move into the abstraction of algebra at a young age. If your student excels in math, I would suggest that she be exposed to topics not normally seen in elementary mathematics. Since your husband has a PhD in mathematics, I am sure that he can look over supplementary books from something like the Anneli Lax series published by the MAA (Mathematical Association of America) for additional topics.

 

Best,

Jane

 

 

Yes, great post. My dd is going through the hormones. She was able to handle the abstraction of algebra at 11, but did not have the focus for long problems. She did 2 years of Algebra 1 at half speed, then started again with a more rigourous program. She still has focus issues, but she can get more done. I'm eager for the hormonal changes to finish and for her to reach a more focused point in her life, but that won't be happening for a while yet.

 

We used Saxon for a while, but I didn't find it the best method for my mathy dc. My eldest insisted on doing it for 3 years, but we found a combination of SM & MUS worked well for my second child. My eldest never did Saxon 87 or Algebra 1/2 because she did most of Singapore Math 6 and so tested out of pre-Algebra.

 

My second dd is not going to start Algebra at 11. She finished SM math 6B last month. She has started Russian Math from Perpendicular Press to allow her to develop her mathematical thinking and to take math from a different approach before she starts Algebra. I'm going to add MEP to this because she thinks what her db is doing is so much fun (of course, he's doing something easier than what she will be doing and she hasn't seen that yet.)

 

MEP is my favourite new math for the mathy. We've moved from faster to deeper (or both faster and deeper, depending on the child). We're not going to drop Singapore Math for my 8 yo, but do both independently, because I still like the way SM has dc learn to do relatively complex problems with such simple math.

Edited April 18, 2009 by Karin

[arcara]

What is MEP?

[Storm Bay]

What is MEP?

 

It's a free program Called Mathematics Enhancement Programme found at the Centre for Innovation in Teaching Mathematics at http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm

 

This morning I learned that each year corresponds to the same grade as Singapore Math, although someone else said year 1 is the same as Kindergarten. We're going to do the same level that my ds is in SM and probably year 6 for my dd who has finished SM 6 and is doing Russian Math (gr 6, but harder than SM 6 in certain parts.)

[Kathy in Richmond]

Another wonderful supplement for math students available (free) on the internet is:

 

CSMP math

Grade 3 example problems

Grade 6 example problems

 

My kids both used these materials at one point; they really stretched their minds into mathematical thinking and problem-solving. The approach is a bit unconventional,

 

CSMP approach

 

but well worth it in my opinion (as a mathematician). My two also loved the Miquon approach, and this always reminded me of a Miquon-type program that stretches all the way to 6th grade.

 

~Kathy

[Storm Bay]

Another wonderful supplement for math students available (free) on the internet is:

 

CSMP math

Grade 3 example problems

Grade 6 example problems

 

My kids both used these materials at one point; they really stretched their minds into mathematical thinking and problem-solving. The approach is a bit unconventional,

 

CSMP approach

 

but well worth it in my opinion (as a mathematician). My two also loved the Miquon approach, and this always reminded me of a Miquon-type program that stretches all the way to 6th grade.

 

~Kathy

 

 

Thanks. My ds did not do well with Miquon, so do you think it would be even worth trying with him? Just for a supplement now and then? We really like MEP (well, I really like MEP--he is a reluctant scholar who happens to be gifted.) Also, we're gong to try MEP with my highly vs younger dd--do you think CSMP would lend itself well to a dd like this? She doesn't like math except for geometry, but, like the rest of my dc, is mathy.

 

I think it's very important to approach math different ways; I think that one of the reasons so many dc become limited in their mathematical abilities is due to the fact that they usually only do one method that works (or sometimes doesn't) but then they become limited to one way of thinking.

[Spy Car]

Another wonderful supplement for math students available (free) on the internet is:

 

CSMP math

Grade 3 example problems

Grade 6 example problems

 

My kids both used these materials at one point; they really stretched their minds into mathematical thinking and problem-solving. The approach is a bit unconventional,

 

CSMP approach

 

but well worth it in my opinion (as a mathematician). My two also loved the Miquon approach, and this always reminded me of a Miquon-type program that stretches all the way to 6th grade.

 

~Kathy

 

Oh my!

 

Another amazing program. My son is currently working on the First Grade workbook, and I have a lot to read. So far it looks a bit like an American analogue to MEP.

 

Thank you so much for posting this. Although this officially means I'll not get much sleep for the next couple weeks :D

 

Bill

[stripe]

I think some creative problems such as those covered in "Mathematical Circles" might be interesting. Also anything by Martin Gardner. Also statistics and more geometry (such as non-Euclidian), as well as math-based computer programming, networking, and codes could lie ahead. Better to branch out and flesh out different things than to just rush on ahead. And don't overlook Math History. There are some books such as Ian Stewart's "Nature's Numbers" and Simon Singh's "Fermat's Enigma" and "The Code Book" that are really fascinating, too.

[Kathy in Richmond]

Oh my!

 

Another amazing program. My son is currently working on the First Grade workbook, and I have a lot to read. So far it looks a bit like an American analogue to MEP.

 

Thank you so much for posting this. Although this officially means I'll not get much sleep for the next couple weeks :D

 

Bill

 

 

Enjoy!! I was reminiscing about the good old days yesterday with my 17yo dd, and the fun we had with this program came up. Wish I had a young one again to do this with!

 

~Kathy

[Kathy in Richmond]

Thanks. My ds did not do well with Miquon, so do you think it would be even worth trying with him? Just for a supplement now and then? We really like MEP (well, I really like MEP--he is a reluctant scholar who happens to be gifted.) Also, we're gong to try MEP with my highly vs younger dd--do you think CSMP would lend itself well to a dd like this? She doesn't like math except for geometry, but, like the rest of my dc, is mathy.

 

I think it's very important to approach math different ways; I think that one of the reasons so many dc become limited in their mathematical abilities is due to the fact that they usually only do one method that works (or sometimes doesn't) but then they become limited to one way of thinking.

 

Well, your ds might still like this program. I'd recommend using it as a weekly supplement to your regular program, or even as a break from "regular math" for a while. My *extreme* v/s dd loved this approach - all the pictures, diagrams, and puzzles were appealing to her. Like your dd, she favors geometry over other areas of math.

 

I completely agree about approaching math in a variety of ways with a gifted young student. We've always thrown in lots of supplements like CSMP, Art of Problem Solving, books from the Mathematical Association of America, etc. The post by stripe had some good ideas!

 

~Kathy

[Academy of Jedi Arts]

Another wonderful supplement for math students available (free) on the internet is:

 

CSMP math

 

~Kathy

 

WOW! I never knew this existed. This will be veeeeery useful...muhahahahahahahahahaha! Thanks!

[Renai]

Another wonderful supplement for math students available (free) on the internet is:

 

CSMP math

Grade 3 example problems

Grade 6 example problems

 

My kids both used these materials at one point; they really stretched their minds into mathematical thinking and problem-solving. The approach is a bit unconventional,

 

CSMP approach

 

but well worth it in my opinion (as a mathematician). My two also loved the Miquon approach, and this always reminded me of a Miquon-type program that stretches all the way to 6th grade.

 

~Kathy

 

Thanks for posting this! I'd lost the link a couple of years ago, and for the life of me couldn't remember the name of the program.

[Spy Car]

Enjoy!! I was reminiscing about the good old days yesterday with my 17yo dd, and the fun we had with this program came up. Wish I had a young one again to do this with!

 

~Kathy

 

Well, my eyes are red-rimmed from staying up half the night downloading PDFs, reading lesson descriptions, and printing workbooks. Thanks a lot :D

 

This microcomputer is interesting.

 

Just so you know, we are already using Singapore, Miquon, MEP, Right Start elements, and Japanese math I needed this like a hole-in-the-head. But I like it :lol:

 

Oh dear, oh dear.

 

My poor child isn't even 5 yet. But the little man does love doing his kind of math (and is busy with page 10 of the First Grade workbook as we speak).

 

I was the one who said: let's keep it ecclectic. Oh my!

 

Bill (on over-load)

[Kathy in Richmond]

Well, my eyes are red-rimmed from staying up half the night downloading PDFs, reading lesson descriptions, and printing workbooks. Thanks a lot :D

 

This microcomputer is interesting.

 

Just so you know, we are already using Singapore, Miquon, MEP, Right Start elements, and Japanese math I needed this like a hole-in-the-head. But I like it :lol:

 

Oh dear, oh dear.

 

My poor child isn't even 5 yet. But the little man does love doing his kind of math (and is busy with page 10 of the First Grade workbook as we speak).

 

I was the one who said: let's keep it ecclectic. Oh my!

 

Bill (on over-load)

 

Ha ha~ you sound like me...eclectic was my motto starting out,too. I won't begin to admit how many math shelves I've filled up over the years in our home library:001_smile:.

 

The microcomputer and the arrow diagrams were my favorite parts...

 

Good luck with your little guy!

 

~Kathy

[Blessedfamily]

Another wonderful supplement for math students available (free) on the internet is:

 

CSMP math

Grade 3 example problems

Grade 6 example problems

 

My kids both used these materials at one point; they really stretched their minds into mathematical thinking and problem-solving. The approach is a bit unconventional,

 

CSMP approach

 

but well worth it in my opinion (as a mathematician). My two also loved the Miquon approach, and this always reminded me of a Miquon-type program that stretches all the way to 6th grade.

 

~Kathy

 

Oh no! Another good free math. How confusing .

[Spy Car]

Ha ha~ you sound like me...eclectic was my motto starting out,too. I won't begin to admit how many math shelves I've filled up over the years in our home library:001_smile:.

 

The microcomputer and the arrow diagrams were my favorite parts...

 

Good luck with your little guy!

 

~Kathy

 

Well, we've spent the morning mini-computing. What fun!

 

It took my son less than 3 seconds to catch on, but Mommy (and Grandma, who had a sleep-over) were....like....huh? :D

 

But the not yet 5 year-old explained it to them :lol:

 

Eventually they caught on

 

Bill

[Brindee]

My dd is in 3rd grade doing Saxon 65. She's also doing Life of Fred's Fractions. She's doing fine with these and I wouldn't even say that she's being that challenged. I was just following the cycle through, assuming one level per year...

 

4th grade - Saxon 76

5th grade - Saxon 87 or Saxon 1/2 (I never know which one we're supposed to do!)

6th grade - Algebra (not necessarily Saxon from here on)

7th grade - Geometry

8th grade - Algebra II

9th grade - Calc I

10th grade - Calc II

11th grade - ??

12th grade - ??

 

Does that look right? Of course, I'm assuming that she doesn't get 'stuck' somewhere and need more than 1 year per course. Have any of you been in this situation? What do you do? Suggestions from those of you who have BTDT? Curriculum suggestions? I'm not really asking about 11th and 12th grades, but about the years before that, especially our next few years. Thanks!!

My dd is on the same track. This is what she has done and is doing:

4th grade: Saxon 76 (didn't finish it all, she hated it! :001_huh:)

5th grade: TT Pre-Algebra (liked it fine, but did NOT want to go on to Algebra yet! Okay, sooooo we went to.....)

6th grade: LoF Decimals & Percents and Fractions books, plus some Singapore and R&S (LOVES LoF! She says she's now ready for Algebra!)

7th grade (next year): LoF Beginning Algebra (Stand alone? Not sure. As soon as she finishes that book she'll start the Advanced Algebra, then will do the LoF Geometry if she's still liking LoF! Not sure how those will play out, so not sure how things will go from there, grade-wise)

Edited April 23, 2009 by Brindee

[Kathy in Richmond]

But the not yet 5 year-old explained it to them :lol:

 

Eventually they caught on

 

Bill

 

Priceless! :001_smile:

[Kathy in Richmond]

Math Circles, communities of math-loving students and mathematicians who get together on a regular basis in order to learn and play with mathematical topics not usually covered in the standard school curriculum, are an amazing resource:

 

Math Circles

 

If you're lucky enough to live near one, you might want to check it out:

 

Locations

 

Ages and entrance requirements vary, but they are usually no/small cost and serve kids anywhere from elementary age through high school.

 

We don't have one yet here in central VA (I would love to work on this someday!), but my dd visited the Boston Math Circle with a friend this year and raved about the experience.

 

The Los Angeles Math Circle, for example, pursued these topics this year:

 

Topics List (A= middle school group, B= high school group)

 

I think these groups not only keep advanced students from "running out" of math before they graduate, but even more so they ignite a fire in the student by exposure to other people who are passionate about the subject.

 

~Kathy

[Spy Car]

Math Circles, communities of math-loving students and mathematicians who get together on a regular basis in order to learn and play with mathematical topics not usually covered in the standard school curriculum, are an amazing resource:

 

Math Circles

 

If you're lucky enough to live near one, you might want to check it out:

 

Locations

 

Ages and entrance requirements vary, but they are usually no/small cost and serve kids anywhere from elementary age through high school.

 

We don't have one yet here in central VA (I would love to work on this someday!), but my dd visited the Boston Math Circle with a friend this year and raved about the experience.

 

The Los Angeles Math Circle, for example, pursued these topics this year:

 

Topics List (A= middle school group, B= high school group)

 

I think these groups not only keep advanced students from "running out" of math before they graduate, but even more so they ignite a fire in the student by exposure to other people who are passionate about the subject.

 

~Kathy

 

What a neat idea!

 

Ours is centered at UCLA which is pretty close.

 

I can remember going to special events at UCLA as a kid, and getting exposed to science and engineering projects. Playing chess with a computer, no big deal now, but in 1968 (as a 10 year-old) that was cool!

 

I'm bookmark this page for the future, and keep the idea implanted in my mind for future years. Being exposed to people with a passion for their subjects (or whatever they do) is such a fulfilling and enriching part of life.

 

Another great suggestion!

 

Bill