In NH, I ran a homework club. Third and fourth graders came twice a week for an hour after school to do their homework. Parents loved it. I liked seeing where math and reading took kids as they got older. One afternoon, Rachel raised her hand. I looked at what I recognized as long division, but I noticed a very long line of 2s under the equation. Puzzled, I asked how her teacher showed her to solve it. Without missing a beat, Rachel turned and said, "Mrs. X told me I could divide by two til the cows came home." And so we divided by more twos than you can imagine until she arrived at the answer. Now, some would say it was a waste of time, and then add the ol' knock, "it isn't the way we learned it." I would argue that what appears inefficient to you and I was Rachel's entry point to solving a problem. Elementary school math isn't just about the answer. It's about the process. I feel certain that Rachel won't divide numbers by 2 and 2 and 2 and 2 forever. Eventually she'll notice that five of those 2s is 10, and several of those 10s is 40. Seeing only the final answer only tells me that she got to the end, it doesn't show me how she got there. Like any good coach, I want to see where her strengths are, and where I can help her grow.
Think of it like this ~ imagine you went to the shoe store and were only allowed to buy high heels. Not only are they uncomfortable and impractical for many situations, they also leave out an entire segment of the population. Math is like shoes. There are sneakers, flip flops, dress shoes, sandals, boots and heels. They may not be for everyone. And they may not fit forever. What matters is your child finds the one that makes sense and feels right to her at the time. Like for Rachel, it makes math possible.
|
two truths and a lie1. Your child will be exposed to lots of new strategies.
2. It is unlike how you learned it. 3. You love this! I jest ... but you can imagine what the "half-truth" could be. Let's be honest. Parents don't love inefficiency. We also don't love the unknown. After all, our kids look to us for answers. And after a very long day, and a longer evening jam-packed with activities, dinner, dishes and bedtimes, the very last thing you want to do is relearn math.
I, your teacher, hereby promise ...
1. You are not expected to teach math at night. If your child struggles to solve an assignment, simply draw a line indicating the time spent and put it away. Enjoy your evening.
2. Math should not make anyone cry. Should this occur, refer back to #1. 3. If you have questions about a particular method, don't be afraid to ask! I will post {short} how-to videos in newsletters, emails and on this website. |
track out or everyday kind of math
Math factsThink of math facts like sight words. Speed and accuracy are imperative as they allow children to engage in more complex math. Xtramath is a FREE website that assesses your child's math fact acquisition and responds in real time - providing reinforcement, enrichment and maintenance tailored to your child's abilities.
|