Tangrams

After preschool graduation on Thursday, I had a decision to make. Jacob has had the chance to take part in the SEM program at school this year. Each week he and some of the other students in his grade get to go to special math and science classes and then the SEM classes get to participate in the county-wide Math and Science Olympiad at the end of the year. The event Jacob and his friend Nathan were selected for was Tangrams. Basically they have 7 shapes that they put together to form other shapes or pictures. When we heard about it we thought it was really cool, but Phil finally had the insight to purchase Jacob a set to practice with. (I know, why didn't I think of that!) Jacob was really dedicated and practiced a lot. We didn't even have to nag him about it! Even better!! He was pretty confident and excited for the event.

However, when he called that morning to tell me what time his event would be, I asked him if he wanted me to come. "No, too much pressure!" Really? From me? I was little sad and disappointed, but I could see his point. Apparently he's used to his mom yelling at him on the ball field :0) But I really wanted to go!! Could I sneak in and observe him (while keeping my mouth shut) and not have him see me? I decided to go for it...and was glad I did. From above, I could easily see Jacob and the other kids competing. I noticed how quickly Jacob was going through his puzzles. He was actually quite amazing!! I texted Phil. "Jacob's an animal!"
I wasn't quite sure HOW well he had done, but when I showed my face to him afterward (no he wasn't mad), he told me he had completed 24 puzzles!! Would it be enough?
Yep!! Fourth Grade winners for our school!! Way to go boys!! It is so fun to see your kid be naturally good and excel at something. I was so proud and happy that I'd taken a chance to not be seen. Jacob was a star for the moment!! What a fun day!!