How to Find Help to Identify Gaps in Gifted Math Learning

I know it seems silly to say, but I sometimes wonder if my academically gifted child has gaps in learning. But the reality is, I do worry about that. This is especially true in math. Since he’s working 3 to 4 years ahead of his “grade/age” level I wonder if the speed at which he’s working is skipping over areas that he might be missing. That’s why finding math help is essential for smart learners, so gaps can be identified and work on those areas can be practiced.

I am being compensated for my time in writing this sponsored post, I received used of the Knowre online math app for free. This post contains ad links to 3rd party sites where products purchase may result in paid compensation for this blogger.

 

I don’t think this feeling is an isolated worry. In fact, I believe many moms who have gifted learners worry that their child’s speed might leave disparity between what they’ve actually learned and what is typically expected to be learned when completing a subject of level of study.

Add to that a child who absorbs math like a thirst, like it’s water to quench that thirst and for most of us moms, especially homeschool moms, the child’s level of learning surpasses her ability to teach quite early in the academic process. Therefore, how is a mom to know if something is missed? That’s the question I often ask myself.  

But, panic doesn’t have to be the norm when homeschooling gifted math learners.  There are resources available to help determine what a child has learned, and what might be missing. 

1- Find Math Help with a Mentor

One of the best things you can do for an academically gifted child is to introduce them to a mentor. A mentor can talk with your child at a level that both validates their knowledge level and challenges them to think critically. Mentors can help students to set career goals, and work toward professional development. A mentor can give feedback to parents and work as partners to help the child achieve set goals. A mentor can also identify areas of learning that a child may be missing or need improvement on. 

My son has been blessed to have a mentor who is an engineer and annually sponsors teams for First LEGO League, First Tech Challenge, and First Robotics Challenge. His patience in dealing with the children, and his ability to inspire and challenge them is quite impressive. 

When dealing with a child gifted in math seek out a mentor who works in a math field. 

• an engineer
• a physicist
• a college math professor
• an architect

Start with people you know, maybe family members, or friends, perhaps someone where you attend worship. Ask around to see if anyone might be interested in taking on the role of a mentor with your child. Explain what your child’s needs are, and what you are hoping to gain from the relationship. Try contacting a local college to see if they have a mentor program either with grad students or professors. Another option is to check with a local or national business that offers mentor programs, often large corporations offer teen classes and programs to help students to develop skills. 

If you are finding it difficult to find a mentor for your child, these online resources are available to help.

• ACE Mentor Program
• The National Mentoring Partnership
• iMentor
• Mentored Pathways

2- ACT & SAT Test Prep

While I’m not a huge proponent of standardized testing the fact is homeschooling won’t eliminate tests forever. There will come a point when our kids need to take tests, it might be a driver’s test or a college entrance test. Or it could be when they are tested in college. Whatever the case, our kids need to learn test-taking skills.

But in so doing,  you may discover areas where gaps exist.  This is why it’s important for academically gifted kids to learn how to take a timed, standardized test. The truth is when it comes to math, ACT and/or SAT Test scores can help to easily identify areas where a student may not understand a math skill. 

When doing test prep you can take your time, and focus just on math to get an idea for areas which might need additional study. Or, you can choose to approach the test as a whole to get an overall view of areas where your child needs additional study. 

Learn more about how you can provide SAT or ACT test prep for your homeschooler.

• ACT Prep for the Homeschooling High Schooler: From 21 to 26 in 3 Tries by Jimmie at Jimmie’s Collage

• Why Smart Kids Still Need SAT Test Prep by Amy at Geek Families

• SAT/ACT Prep for Homeschoolers, Ready, Set, Go!  by Pat at PatandCandy.com

With gifted students, you might consider test prep at an earlier age, or grade level than what is typical. You might want to do test prep as early as 7th or 8th grade depending on the skill level they are working in. 

3 – Utilize Online Math Practice

Knowre is an adaptive math program that identifies and fills student learning gaps. This interactive program offers a Walk Me Through technology to help guide your child through the problem-solving process, providing corrective feedback at each step. Our curriculum and instructional videos were developed by experienced math teachers. Practice questions focus on specific skills while application questions bring math skills to life. With thousands of questions, your child will get plenty of math practice!

The curriculum and instructional videos were developed by experienced math teachers. Practice questions focus on specific skills while application questions bring math skills to life. With thousands of questions, your child will get plenty of math practice!

How Knowre Math Practice Works

The Knowre learning map engages the student through a progress and reward system turning learning into a fun interactive game. Which then keeps the boredom at bay. Math practice is done utilizing an on-screen notepad. The system then recognizes the handwriting. The practice screen also has an interactive support icon that guides the student through each step of the problem-solving process.  

The built-in grading system allows you to see their progress and both areas of achievement and areas that are in need of further practice.

Because it is web-based students can practice math anywhere that you have internet access on a computer. It’s also available as an iPad app.

When you purchase the subscription you get a 1-year license, each license is for one user per year. The license starts on the day the user signs up for an account and is automatically set to expire one year from date of sign-up.

Each subscription comes with math practice for all of these math courses so students can progress at their own rate.

• Pre-Algebra
• Algebra 1
• Geometry
• Algebra 2

Knowre Discount

Knowre is offering an introductory offer of $29 per user for a one-year subscription. Be sure to subscribe soon, the introductory price expires August 31, 2017.

Knowre Giveaway

Knowre is giving away a 1-year subscription to 10 Winners, including all curricula Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2
This giveaway is open to American residents age 18 and over.

 

Knowre math subscriptions
Are you homeschooling a gifted learner? Do you also worry about gaps in learning? Sometimes the best thing you can do is step outside the curriculum to find alternatives to both challenges and helps your child in their learning process. 

 

 

 

 

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