My 5-year-old (late summer birthday, currently in Kindergarten, very active) is doing math within the classroom like adding/subtracting within 0–5 (standard curriculum), while at home he can comfortably and accurately do larger-digit addition and subtraction mentally (ex. 47+85 or 73+18) and larger sets of numbers on paper/not in his head (ex. 64+8+37+40). He has a strong aptitude and interest in math that’s been fully self directed.
We’re starting to see frustration/disengagement in class, especially during peer work, which seems at least in part tied to the mismatch.
I’m mainly trying to understand:
What realistic supports schools use for kids who are ahead in one subject but still young overall (enrichment, alternative groups, independent work, etc.)?
How to best approach the teacher about this in a collaborative way?
And if he continues to progress ahead in math, what does longer-term support typically look like in early elementary?
I want to support both my child and the classroom environment. Not trying to push for anything extreme—just trying to understand the best way to advocate, what options are realistic and what has worked for others in similar situations.