Helping DS6 - very good at maths

[afternoontea86]

DS6 is in year 1, at a private, 3 form entry school. He has always been very talented at understanding maths concepts but always thought he was just slightly ahead, nothing out of the ordinary. He's very good at spotting patterns, knows his times tables and can add/subtract large numbers in his head (three digits). Last week his teacher told us that he is being given slightly more challenging work in lessons but still finishes this quickly and is then bored. If we give permission then next week he can start attending 2 maths lessons one to one with a separate teacher during two of their maths lessons. These lessons will give him more challenging work at a year 3/4 level. Of course I think he should do these extra lessons but my only concern is that he will then be spending time away from his peers and just alone with a teacher. Any teachers on here have any opinions? And also where can I find extra resources to support him at home?

Its only two lessons a week away from his peers so I wouldn't worry about that. When DS was at Primary school his friend spent a whole day out of school at the University to access appropriate level maths content and it never did them any harm in terms of friendships etc.

Kids do this all the time for music lessons, as well as when they need extra support (speech and language support for example). At our school they mix up the schedule so that kids aren’t repeatedly missing the same lessons, but this might be less problematic as just replacing maths content with different maths content. It’s wonderful that school is supporting him.

There isn’t anything I can see to be worried about. It’s good they are challenging him appropriately

I dont think y3 would be very challenging. Y4 seems to be more when fractions etc gets going.

I'd be worried about him getting too far ahead, and then what happens at the end of primary?

Go wider, not further through the curriculum would be my advice.

At home: NRich has some good bits, puzzles like Rubix, suduko. Games with strategy - carcassonne, chess....

Thanks for the suggestions!

I've realised I have nothing to worry about and it's great the school are challenging him like this. (Although I would hope they were for the price we're paying 😳)

@Schooldinner2 I'll ask next time I see her. Although I don't know how much further you can go with basics like number bonds!

@FallingAutumnLeaf It's a 3 through to 13 school so they have the resources they need to support him for a senior school level of maths if he gets to that point. Some of the maths teachers have taught GCSE and A-Level maths before so I have no doubt they'll have the tools to support him. A lot of the prep years are spent preparing for 13+ so he'll need to focus on that nearer the time as well.

DH has started teaching him how to play chess. Rubik's cube is in his stocking from Santa already but will take a look at those other suggestions thank you!