San Diego Math Circle

4th Grade and Younger

SDMC has limited resources in space, instructors, money, etc., so it is necessary that we have some limits on participation or be overwhelmed.  The most practical limitation we have found is to limit participation to 5th grade and higher, based on enrollment in the student's primary school - not based on the student's mathematical level, which we understand may well be above grade level.

It is understandable that this may be dismaying to parents of younger children; we want you to know that it is dismaying to us, too.  We are great believers in the promise and futures of young, gifted children and would like to be of assistance at any age.  The other side of this dilemma, however, is the fact that the younger the student, the more he or she will benefit from learning in a supportive and stimulating home environment rather than in a possibly austere classroom.  Thus, we feel that most practical way for us to be of help to families of younger children is not necessarily to expand our classroom activities, but to provide guidance that may be applicable at home.

Cautionary Observations

It may seem a truism that in the best of worlds all children should be supported in a manner that allows them to learn at their own pace.  That strongly-gifted children learn at prodigious rates poses challenges not only now (getting them the support they need), but also later when their learning levels may be significantly out of sync with their school peers and with the ability of their schools to service their educational needs.  This is the problem of acceleration, addressed separately.

Gifted students are often multitalented.  Exceptional aptitude in mathematics can be very striking in a young student and can result in focussing on mathematics to the exclusion of other aspects of a child's giftedness.  This can lead to imbalances not only in neglecting other talents, but can actually be inhibitory in more advanced mathematics where a student's maturity and overall scholarship are increasingly important.

Play is important.  Childen will most profitably pursue that which they enjoy, and best of all what is just plain fun.  Gifted children are no different, but will often enjoy activities that put their minds to work and that allow them to explore.  Parents can help greatly by creating a home environment that feeds these appetites.  Some resources that can help may be found on our Resources page.