First of all non-linear can be explained simply as picture recall or understanding in pictures. Like when I read I have to visual what I am reading, or when someone talks to me, I have total memory or "scenes" in my life and that is how I remember what is said. Linear, you remember the words. You don't think in terms of pictures, you think of the words "in sequence" so most rote learning is linear. Non-linear is the stuff that happens when you don't understand how you got there. Like the 2 year old saying 87-56 is 31. Now, if they happen to have gone through their math tables already, then it is linear, but if they haven't they just get the answer popping into their heads.

Hunter explained to me that they don't even understand that the answer just pops into the head until 6 or 7 and the difference between their linear calculations.

Non-linear is right brain and why they say many big non-linear thinkers or gifted musicians are left handed. It is the big picture, analytic, strategic thinking.

And we support the linear learning very easily. But the non-linear is different. How do you support that? By playing chess? Hence, my inquiries.

Non-linear calculation is a very powerful tool and since DD has shown non-linear capabilities, first with the early math calculations and now with her thinking and analysis of situations, I would like to support that as much as I support her reading skills by getting different books from the library.

Question off topic. When your child started to read did you have to use different books all the time because they would memorize it the first time they read it and clearly the second time, she is just going through by memory rather than reading.

Ren