First grader, advanced at math?

[Anonymous]

If your first grader is advanced at math, what can he/she do that makes you think this?

[Anonymous]

The advance could be seen in different ways. Being able to reason through multi-step word problems is one way. Easily understanding operations 2 or 3 grade levels ahead would be another way. Solving brain-teasers with numbers, doing tangrams, or complicated origami also denotes advanced mathematical thinking.

[Anonymous]

Mine is 2-3 grade levels ahead, does multiplication and division, fractions, operations with multi digit numbers. He also understands the mechanics of what he is, it not just memorized.

So, that all shows me that he's quick at picking up mathematic concepts and advanced when compared to his peers.

But, what makes me think that he has a "talent" or "gift" for math is that he can do complicated multi-step math problems involving multi digit numbers and several operations in his head and spit out an answer instantly.

[Anonymous]

Kindergartener: Can do multiple digit multiplication, addition etc., can prime factorize numbers, can figure out simple squares and square roots, can add and reduce fractions and do simple algebra word problems. But these are rather mechanical and speed of computations is irrelevant. Look for independently understanding concepts, which is true talent.

[Anonymous]

Which would show gifted at math:

Child who know multiplication facts?

Child who could add 3 digit numbers quickly in his head?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
The advance could be seen in different ways. Being able to reason through multi-step word problems is one way. Easily understanding operations 2 or 3 grade levels ahead would be another way. Solving brain-teasers with numbers, doing tangrams, or complicated origami also denotes advanced mathematical thinking.

For those parents with gifted children in math, do you homeschool or try to make it work in private or public school? Even gifted programs tend to be only a year or two above grade level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kindergartener: Can do multiple digit multiplication, addition etc., can prime factorize numbers, can figure out simple squares and square roots, can add and reduce fractions and do simple algebra word problems. But these are rather mechanical and speed of computations is irrelevant. Look for independently understanding concepts, which is true talent.

If your K kid really can do all those things you listed, there is a lot of understanding going on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Which would show gifted at math:

Child who know multiplication facts?

Child who could add 3 digit numbers quickly in his head?

The 2nd one. The 1st one is just a good mimic.

[Anonymous]

I cannot do all of these things. Add 3 digit numbers in my head? Not if any of the columns add up to more than 9 and need to be carried to next column. Maybe as I learn common core with my first grader I'll get better too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Which would show gifted at math:

Child who know multiplication facts?

Child who could add 3 digit numbers quickly in his head?

The 2nd one. The 1st one is just a good mimic.

This is what my child is doing (second one). It is amazing to watch. I can give any 3 digit number added to any 3 digit number and he can add them. No pencil. It will take just a few seconds max. I love watching his face. Also love watching his 9 year old sibling try to beat him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I cannot do all of these things. Add 3 digit numbers in my head? Not if any of the columns add up to more than 9 and need to be carried to next column. Maybe as I learn common core with my first grader I'll get better too.

It is a working memory issue. I used to be able to do way more computation in my head but cannot do it anymore now that I am older. I was often faster than people punch calculator when I was in elementary school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your first grader is advanced at math, what can he/she do that makes you think this?

My child's teachers were telling me that he was very advanced in math at that age. Also, when anyone asked his favorite subject, he always said, "Math!"
Math continued to be his favorite subject through elementary and middle school.
He is at TJ now and headed toward a college known for its math and science departments.

I would ask your child's teacher. I would also ask my child what he likes best at school. Kids tend to like what they are good at, so knowing what your child likes best can give you some insight into his talents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your first grader is advanced at math, what can he/she do that makes you think this?

My child's teachers were telling me that he was very advanced in math at that age. Also, when anyone asked his favorite subject, he always said, "Math!"
Math continued to be his favorite subject through elementary and middle school.
He is at TJ now and headed toward a college known for its math and science departments.

I would ask your child's teacher. I would also ask my child what he likes best at school. Kids tend to like what they are good at, so knowing what your child likes best can give you some insight into his talents.

Consistent answers are lunch and recess. I've got some insight into his talents, alright, LOL. Although, to be fair, I think it's at least indicative of social success, which may (or may not) help work/life success later.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your first grader is advanced at math, what can he/she do that makes you think this?

My child's teachers were telling me that he was very advanced in math at that age. Also, when anyone asked his favorite subject, he always said, "Math!"
Math continued to be his favorite subject through elementary and middle school.
He is at TJ now and headed toward a college known for its math and science departments.

I would ask your child's teacher. I would also ask my child what he likes best at school. Kids tend to like what they are good at, so knowing what your child likes best can give you some insight into his talents.

Consistent answers are lunch and recess. I've got some insight into his talents, alright, LOL. Although, to be fair, I think it's at least indicative of social success, which may (or may not) help work/life success later.

My kid says lunch and recess too! LOL

[Anonymous]

Recess is a the most popular answer.