Re: Gifted math student


latichever@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
I have an 8 year old son who is a bit of a math prodigy. We're
currently working our way through an algebra text.

I'd be interested in any other thoughts about how to work with him. I
wonder if math competitons, if they existed for his age, would provide
some focus.

I'm concerned that in a few years he'll be beyond my ability to help
him. ...

From what I've seen and experienced, a person keen on math _will_
pursue it, with no need for prodding and little need for guidance by
others. Just make stuff available to him, would be my suggestion. But
he's only 8; maybe it's a little early to be counting the chickens.

http://www.mathlinks.ro/Forum/forums
-- remarkably good resource and forum for youngsters up to university
level.

This organization called MathPath might be worth a look:
http://www.mathpath.org/student.htm
It's a nonprofit outfit for talented middle-school kids. The website
has some links that might help.

Here's a great little book I recommend for highschool afficionados:
"Ingenuity in Mathematics" by Ross Honsberger
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0394709233/002-4189821-1230444?v=glance&n=283155

I wouldn't expect much help from the public schools of the USA or
Canada.

LH

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