Add geography to Tanner's growing list of advanced interests. I've become somewhat accustomed to the fact that he reads EVERYTHING, and rather quickly/fluently. I'm not so sure how easily I'm going to get used the fact that he's trying to master geography now. It started with a US map where he memorized where all the states were. So, I got him a puzzle that includes capitols and cute picture references to something about each state (i.e. corn in Iowa, saxophone in Louisiana, alligator in FL, etc). Loads of fun.
Now, with the Olympics in full swing, he was curious about all the countries. So, we went to the toy store and bought him a globe. Who takes their 5 year old to the toy store and comes out with a globe? His favorite countries to proudly show off are China (of course, since this is where the Olympics are), Mexico (he wants to go on vacation there like mom and dad did after their wedding) and Niger. Niger...I know...why Niger?Hello!!!??!! It rhymes with Tiger, didn't you know?
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You should see how Tanner does at this!
He is going to be a genius someday!! He is going to be so far ahead of his class, what are they going to do??!! What other kindergarteners know all the countries and read fluently?? WOW! Go Tan Man........Ash
Exactly - what are they going to do? They learn letters and letter sounds in Kindergarten. He's more likely to have behavior problems if he's not challenged. The school seems to realize that so they are bringing in a consult from the gifted program at Forest Hills. I didn't realize that gifted programs also fall under Special Education...but I guess they do. Some thought being given to having him join 1st/2nd grade Special Ed room for some reading and math. I just worry about him being around older kids.
Tanner falls in the category of "Twice Exceptional." I had a student with Asbergers that made it to finals in the Geography Bee as a 5th grader. He competed against 8th graders. He could name the capital of any country. It was fun.
OK, I tried the link Kelly posted, and I"m almost certain Tanner will be beating his granddad's score in short order if you give him a chance to practice (or maybe even if he doesn't practice).
Hmm... can't wait to see how he handles the constellations (connect the dots puzzles that they are). And memorizing the locations of Messier objects too.. Maybe in a year or two I'll have to make him a decent 6" or 8" telescope and kidnap him to a dark sky campground in Gladwin where a few hundred telescopes are setup for a 'star party'.
Hey, Grandpa Jim, I'm up for a star party any time! Sounds wonderful.
Can we all come along to the Star Party?
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