Expert: Josh - 12/3/2003

Question
I am a grandma homeschooler of a gifted child.  he is 3 years old and he is doing second grade math.  I have read about a lot of math methods and I think  that the singapore curriculum is one of the best I have found.  Do you have any opinion abaut the best math curriculum for gifted children.
thanks for your help.

Answer
Dear Ivonne,

In my opinion, mathematics taught in south east asia countries are generally of a higher standard than the US, at the primary level. Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong are leading examples, although their curriculum may not be easily accessible, and may or may not be translated into English.

At the high school level, I think it has been acknowledged that many Chinese students excel in mathematics, so they must be doing something right, despite the immense pressure that students have to endure. But, I gotta say, the teaching method may not suit everyone. Britain has an very well structured GCSE system and has served as a reference point for many years. But at the highest level, I think Australia has the best curriculum for talented maths students, it is called Mathmatics Extension II, and is offered in the last two years of high school.

I know that you may not be concern with this yet, but when you grand child's ability reaches the final two years of high school, you may wish to consult with the International Mathematics Olympiad syllabus. It is fairly challenging, competition is held annually, to sort out the best students around the world.  But he is still quite young, his may develop other interests, such as music, sport and science.
He may have other talents. So, just do your best, give him every encouragement, and above all, make sure that he enjoys what he is doing.

Regards,
Josh