a.k.a. - what to do when your 5-year old can multiply?
Jacob seems to have an aptitude for math. I suppose with two engineers for parents, this should come as no big shock. I think what's kindof weird however - is how well he seems to understand the concepts behind the numbers. He just sees how they work together and can apply a new idea after seeing just one or two examples. We've decided it's a little bit creepy.
He also has the benefit of observing the 2nd grade math that Allison brings for homework, which introduces him to concepts not normally in the kindergarten curriculum. Beginning last week - it was multiplication. We explained in the car one day that 2 times 4 was the same thing as adding the number 2 "four times." This explanation plus the free math baseball app that Grandma Sue recommended and Jacob now knows all his multiplication tables up to 6 x 6. This morning he asked me if I knew that 100 times 100 was 10,000.
It's not just add subtract and multiply, either - he's started to grasp is negative numbers. "Mom, what's 5 minus 100? - Negative 95!" And fractions - this morning Jacob holding up 7 fingers and asking how many hours he has if he has this many half hours. (He said 4 - which was incorrect).
So, do we encourage this math learning, or do we just let him develop it out of curiosity? Also, if anyone knows of any good math computer games or iphone apps - please let me know. Jacob's not a big fan of "workbooks" the way that Allison was.
1 comment:
Kellen loves the baseball game too. He hasn't memorized the facts, but he understands much better than I expected when he first wanted to play it.
I would definitely encourage Jacob. If he seemed to really like baseball or soccer, you would encourage that, right? You'd play with him and show him how to do different plays. Same with a math interest or history interest or any other intellectual interest. Find ways to play around with numbers and make it fun.
Jacob just seems to have a reasoning ability way ahead of his physical age. I love the things he comes up with. I hope you two are able to keep up with him as he develops! He may give you a run for your money in the years ahead. Also, it's not too early to start thinking ahead. You two had the benefit of some gifted classes and then IMSA. What is available in your area for him as he gets to middle school and high school? Just something to think about.
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