I'm wondering if anyone can share their thoughts or experience in balancing between enrichment or acceleration in math.
A little background first ... My DS10 (5th) took the placement test with CTY yesterday and passed the pre-algebra. The CTY gave several suggestions for classes to take. Among them are cryptography, which he's interested in, and honors algebra I.
He's been working on NEM1 independently at school during math time. My plan is to cover a couple more topics on that book, then move on to AoPS Intro to Algebra. My husband and I are discussing whether we should continue with that plan or let him do the enrichment (cryptography class) first, or maybe do them concurrently, most likely at slower pace (or whatever pace our son decides he wants to do). Are we being too optimistic considering how hard AoPS can get?
My next question has to do with what Susan Assouline and Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik wrote in their book, Developing Math Talent.
They do not recommend the isolated-self-paced instruction that our DS is doing since it may result in feeling of isolation and he may not learn the material well. The CTY placement test result at least has helped ease this concern (how well he's learning).
I'm wondering if your child has taken self-paced CTY online class, how is it different since it is self-paced? In this regard, would a real-time online-class like AoPS be a better option?
Thanks in advance for all your insights!
