Why do you think I'm here? I stick around to repay some of what I took from this board! But I learn stuff all the time, or get a new perspective on something...or get great advice about how to approach timed tests. I love this place!

It does feel good to give back, doesn't it? I hear you on the celebration dance!

I agree. Somehow, computation (multiplication, addition/subtraction) for DS8 is slow compared to his peers who are trained in abacus etc. However, he can solve complex math problems without any issue. He also has this dislike to learn long division. I have read (books and online) that it is not uncommon for these kids.

Now for timed math homework, I let him "glanced" through the sheet b4 starting the timer. It helps. I don't care if he takes longer than normal sometimes as I know he understands them.

This is helping me feel better about the whole thing, I am definitely going to check out the book on developing math talent.

And, I will probably lay off anything but showing the fun patterns and tricks to the multiplication tables, and I think I'm going to have a pre-emptive chat with his new teacher to get a feel for how math will go this year...
If they do present the timed sheets, I will try that trick of breaking down the timing - thanks ebeth, doodlebug, everyone!

Well, I took the opportunity to flip through DS8's 3rd grade math workbook today and I guess I don't have to worry about multiplication for some time...seems like that unit starts about 1/2 way through the year! Mostly it is bigger numbers (eventually after a couple of units) more words in the word problems, etc. He's not 'beyond' learning from this, but from what I could tell it will be 1 out of evey 20th worksheet or so which will have something really new for him...

Seems I won't be satisfied - I don't want things to be too frustrating for him if the teacher relies heavily on rote memorization but I don't want him to wonder why they are still doing math problems using graphic representations of strips of stickers for 10's, etc (this is review from 1st! grade). And of course he is wondering.

I guess this might be the point where a lot of other families in the county have been complaining about this 'Math Investigations' series, although I always heard it was due to not enough practice problems. (??)
I appreciate review & practice, and I don't think ds is really unhappy with the program so far, but I will have to keep my eye on things. Back to school night is mid-Sept.

DS is in the gifted enrichment program, but the wording of the letter sounds like he will only be receiving enrichment in lang. arts. In typical school-speech they were sort of vague while trying to be specific. Anyway, I will definitely clarify this first; if he can get a little enrichment in math as well things might be ok...