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Ahead, Not Alone

A calm short course for the parent of a child who races ahead in one subject: what the research says about moving faster, depth before speed, finding other curious children, and when to do nothing at all.

For grown-ups, from what MathCircle teaches children at Spark & Anvil.

  1. Lesson 1What the research says
  2. Lesson 2The mind can run ahead of the hands
  3. Lesson 3Depth before speed
  4. Lesson 4Find a circle, and know when to wait
At the table · 2 to 4 families, children of mixed ages

A kitchen-table circle

You'll need: One puzzle printed for each child, paper, and a timer you never look at.

  1. Read one puzzle aloud, such as "how many squares are there on a chessboard, counting every size?".
  2. Everyone works alone for a while, then in pairs.
  3. Each pair explains how they started, not just their answer. Grown-ups only ask "how did you get that?".
  4. End with one question nobody solved, to take home.

Print the guidebook (all lessons + the table activity) →