Wow, three posts in a row, you are worked up. Yes, I played as a child. I also read for pleasure, a lot. No one told me what to read, no one forced me to do worksheets or whatever on top of the homework I had. I had fun -- playing, reading, exploring. I did well in school and went to Yale. I've done just fine with my life, thank you, and am so grateful my parents allowed me to have a childhood.
Barely literate? Really?
I took multivariable calculus and linear algebra at 16. In the long run, did it give me an advantage over people who took the same courses at 18? No. What matters is having a strong foundation and developing the motivation and creativity to take what you learn and do something with it. I would never suggest stopping a child who is naturally interested in math from pursuing his or interest. But overloading a child with extra classes and homework so that he can be two grades ahead seems like a waste of childhood.
Anonymous wrote:Its not a race. Seriously, if you really wanted that you could get your kids to do all sorts of stupid human tricks at a young age. But what do they sacrifice in the process? My guess is that when they become adults they won't thank you for pushing them to do calculus in 8th grade, but they will thank you for all the childhood memories kids have by relishing the time they have as kids.
I would prefer to live in the skin of the Calculus kid any day. He sounds like he is having a blast in life. After reading all your posts I would never wish to live in your skin. You appear a dour, barely literate and insufferable whiner and complainer regarding the choices of others. You do not have a very healthy self-concept? Why are you so miserable? Didn't you parents keep you away from Calculus and let you play in your child and adult life? Save yourself, don't worry about kids and young adults who are movers and shakers.
Anonymous wrote:This makes no difference in the long run
It seems to make quite a difference in the short run. I'll take this return on investment any day. We all have different long runs including becoming a DC urban mom.
I would prefer to live in the skin of the Calculus kid any day. He sounds like he is having a blast in life. After reading all your posts I would never wish to live in your skin. You appear a dour, barely literate and insufferable whiner and complainer regarding the choices of others. You do not have a very healthy self-concept? Why are you so miserable? Didn't you parents keep you away from Calculus and let you play in your child and adult life? Save yourself, don't worry about kids and young adults who are movers and shakers.
Its not a race. Seriously, if you really wanted that you could get your kids to do all sorts of stupid human tricks at a young age. But what do they sacrifice in the process? My guess is that when they become adults they won't thank you for pushing them to do calculus in 8th grade, but they will thank you for all the childhood memories kids have by relishing the time they have as kids.
Its not a race. Seriously, if you really wanted that you could get your kids to do all sorts of stupid human tricks at a young age. But what do they sacrifice in the process? My guess is that when they become adults they won't thank you for pushing them to do calculus in 8th grade, but they will thank you for all the childhood memories kids have by relishing the time they have as kids.
This makes no difference in the long run
Anonymous wrote:Many elementary school kids at our Kumon center are 2 to 4 years ahead in Math (some kids finish calculus before 8th grade). It usually takes less than 10 min per day to do their Kumon math worksheets (I think the requirement is being able to solve 150 math equations in 6 min with 100% accuracy before moving on to the next level). Most of these kids can finish their Kumon math plus home work math in less time than other kids that are struggling to do their math homework. It may be difficult at first to get the kids to finish their Kumon assignment, but soon it will be as natural as brushing teeth everyday.
Anonymous wrote:Wow, this sounds excellent! Can you point me to some data that concludes that kids finish calculus before the 8th grade on ten minutes of Kumon worksheets per day?
I'm sure I could convince my DH to spend money for our twin DS if you could provide some real studies I can bring to DH. He's a little suspicious that the money would be worth it. Help me make the case!