Re: OT ( or at least skew ;) On what group should I pose this question

From: Richard Owlett (rowlett_at_atlascomm.net)
Date: 09/17/04 

Date: Fri, 17 Sep 2004 07:22:43 -0500

Martin Brown wrote:
> In message <10kbransfecige3@corp.supernews.com>, Richard Owlett
> <rowlett@atlascomm.net> writes
>
>> I'm minding a hyperactive [reportedly bright ] 3rd grade boy with
>> behavior problems for ~1 hour once a week ( he's bored and disruptive
>> in adult meeting and (will not)/(can not) participate in age
>> appropriate alternative. )
>
>
> How old is 3rd grade?

8 or 9

>
>>
>> When asked what is his favorite subject, his face lights up and
>> replies math!
>
>
> He may well be clever then (but not necessarily at maths). Since you
> needed to ask this question it is clear that he wrong footed you.
>

Others had commented that they thought the boy was bright.
His comment on liking math was the first time we met.
I well know the difference between "liking" and "ability" [ I like
singing. Musically inclined friends prefer sitting on the far side of
the congregation ;]

> Try sci.math - similar questions have come up before.
>
>>
>> Can some one point me to some suitable printed material that comes in
>> small chunks which would get his attention. I believe he has two basic
>> needs:
>> 1. an adult taking his interests seriously
>> 2. tackling something that gives him sense of accomplishment
>
>
> Lots of recreational mathematics puzzles have been published in the past
> from the works of Lewis Caroll through to Martin Gardeners books. Pick a
> few of the simpler practical ones and they have almost universal appeal.
> eg Hexaflexagons, Mobius strips.
>
> Mazes, puzzles like tower of Hanoi, and strategic board games checkers,
> go and chess are other things that often appeal to budding young
> mathematics. Simple easy to learn rules with complex outcomes.
>
> Regards,