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.

What happens to the kids that finish calculus in 8th grade and then have to sit in a class about algebra for beginners? How does it work during school?

The best online resource for math resources and courses is Art of Problem Solving (AoPS). Other on-line resources and courses include EPGY (Stanford), Thinkwell, CTY, NUMATS, and C-MITES. Many universities have free on-line courses in Math with outstanding Professors including MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, and Yale. Many students head to public magnet schools like Blair Magnet and TJ. Many students also dual enroll in community colleges and universities (for credit or non credit) while in high school to access more challenging work. There is no determined pathway, there are several paths that these students take. The good news is no bureaucracy is trying to eliminate the possible pathways for the spurious sake of social justice. There are some enlightened principals and teachers in our schools who recognise unique talent and make it possible for some of these students to use school class time to take these courses.

This whole thread makes me want to puke.

Why? Sensitive GI tract. I suggest gluten-free meals for starters.

Anonymous wrote:What happens to the kids that finish calculus in 8th grade and then have to sit in a class about algebra for beginners? How does it work during school?

If a student finishes differential and integral calculus prior to high school, there are plenty of college level math classes at top schools like Sidwell, NCS, public magnets available. For example, top students at NCS may take AP Calculus (calculus AB and calculus BC), AP statistics, AP linear algebra and vector calculus, etc.

This whole thread makes me want to puke.

What happens to the kids that finish calculus in 8th grade and then have to sit in a class about algebra for beginners? How does it work during school?

http://triblocal.com/cary-fox-river-grove/community/stories/2010/11/third-grader-from-cary-conquers-calculus-breaks-north-american-kumon-math-record-amid-lagging-u-s-math-scores/

There was a third grader that finished Kumon Calculus.

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.

How many of you out there retained the calculus, and algebra formulas you learned in HS ? Right, and you want your 7 year old to memorize them like a robot instead of having free play because why again?

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!

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.

My DD goes to a Montessori school so no homework from school. She started Kumon in the summer after second grade for remedial help. Our school was zero help in addressing hers academic issues so we went searching for the most affordable tutoring and ended up at Kumon. It has been a great experience. We send all 3 kids there now, once they reach 2nd grade. I love how thorough it is. I think I'd have my DD do the Kumon homework before other homework. It's usually 20 minutes or less per subject so it goes quickly. If it takes longer I ask that the number of pages be reduced.

Try talking to your Kumon center and other parents there for ideas on how to get it all done. I know some kids do it in the early morning. One day a week I have mine do it while waiting their turn at piano lessons. Most school days they do it at 4pm, after a brief playground stop and commute home. I've often wished that I could take them into the school library at 3pm dismissal, to get it done right then and there.

Why are you doing this? If he's struggling in school, why don't you work with his teacher on what kind of support he needs. Targeted tutoring, focused on his actual school work, will be much more helpful than Kumon worksheets. If its overload for you, imagine what it is for your 7 year old.

If he's caught up in math, why are you doing Kumon for that, too?

Seems like overload to me. Just let your 2nd grader be a kid!

Son in second grade, has 45+ of homework. Just signed up for Kumon 2 programs. How do families juggle this? As soon as DC catches up on reading will drop reading and just do math.