Originally Posted by Eibbed
Does math need to be developmentally appropriate and what does that even mean in math?
Yes, but what is appropriate should depend on the child's mental age and current knowledge, not his birthday. Don't rely on the school to make such judgments. Regarding exponents, can your son grasp the idea that 3*3*3*3 = 81 and the idea that 3^4 is shorthand for 3*3*3*3? When you try to teach children something that is beyond their current level, it soon becomes apparent.