Negative Numbers in 1st Grade??? hmm...

Yep, yep... I knew something was up! My 6 year old had me a bit puzzled. He just asked me what 3-4 was? Of course I know negative numbers, I just wasn't sure where he was coming from. I knew I looked at that work, and there wasn't anything like that in it...or was there?


I said, "do you mean 4-3?... u can figure that out yourself!" 


He said, "no... 3-4! Maybe it's negative 1 but I'm not sure!" 


I said, "You're right, but read your paper again... I am sure it is a 4-3!" 


After all, when did we start doing negatives in 1st grade? lol! 


Actually it wasn't even 4-3. He's doing double digit subtraction so it was a 4-3 in the right column. The problem was 74 minus 53 or something....I don't recall! but... I have no idea where he picked up on the negative numbers other than overhearing me doing math & algebra with my older two. 


I thought he'd lost his mind... till I heard a correct answer out of him. He's killing me... that incessant talking while working! I don't see how he learns anything! I can't even concentrate on my own thoughts here lately! lol!


Blessings,