Hi All -
My DS8 did the WIAT last year, he was barely 8 and in 2nd grade. He scored greater than the 99.9 in numerical operations & 99.9 for mathematical reasoning as well (both DYS level). His other scores, reading, oral language & writing were also very similar (with maths being his strongest).
I had noticed earlier in the school year he could complete his brother's 5th grade homework without difficultly (granted into wasn't challenging for my 5th grader either!).
Anyway, the psych specific recommended that he learn algebra in year 3 (which started earlier this month, we are in Australia at the moment). I find this a bit hard to believe he is ready for it, but I will say his maths abilities seemed to grown exponentially last year (the more I gave, the quicker he figured it out). Last year, we found Singapore Math year 5 not to really be a challenge (although we didn’t complete it) nor Zaccaro Primary Math Challenge. I gave him this stuff at home because he said he wasn’t learning anything new at school and for years he has enjoyed doing maths in his free time. If his brother leaves his homework out DS8 can’t help but do it.
Since he is in school (private), I am not as concerned with him potentially having a few gaps as I am sure he will see the material eventually at school and/or we can fix them when they arise.
At the end of last year, the school discussed introducing him to Algebra. Which to be honest, he has had a brief introduction. He can solve for basic variables. He was having trouble sleeping the other night, and when we discussed it with him, it was 2 step equations that were keeping him up… LOL. He has set learning Algebra as his academic goal for the year at school.
He is in the math enrichment program but he reports some other children who qualified don’t even know what a decimals is, and the first 2 sessions haven been spent doing actives around decimals. Again, nothing new for him and two of the other boys in the class are complaining it is too hard.
I think I many have to take Algebra into my own hands while continuing to advocate for the school to teach him. We have parent teacher conferences the first week of March.
Where do I start? I thought about EPGY or do I go with a pre-Algebra or Algebra program from somewhere like AOPS or Life of Fred??? I thought online might be easier (for me…).
I really do want to support my DS in reaching his goal and any suggestions would be very much appreciated!
(Sorry for the long post!!!)
