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Publisher's Pen: Mathematics for Life
"A small truth to make life work100%" Anonymous.
In my country, the U. S., we expect kids to be fluent in reading, but we don't necessarily expect them to be fluent in math. Most parents and teachers want kids to be able to perform basic math functions and master math operations, but leave the true understanding of math concepts to those who like math. Fluency in math is obtainable. We can go beyond mastering the basic functions, to mentally and automatically recalling math concepts in the same way that we can automatically recall words and reading strategies.
The truth about why we don't expect this of our kids lies in our own anxieties about math that keep it swept under the rug. A recent study shows that most adults operate on a sixth grade math level. I wondered if that were really true in my case, so I opened up a seventh grade math book. The first difficulty I encountered was the word "integer". I didn't remember what an integer was, but I kept reading anyway. Before I was half-way through the first paragraph, I stopped because I didn't understand the math vocabulary, let alone the concept, until I went back and retaught it to myself.
Then I remembered that when my sons were in middle school, I didn't understand what they were doing in math class, and therefore, was unable to help them with their homework. That's where most parents stand today; unless of course, you have a math degree.
So, what's the answer? It begins with awareness of the way math is taught in your child's school. Math programs range from the traditional approach of teaching skills and operations, to the newest approach of discovery-based instruction. Find out the approach used in your school, and have a conversation with your child's teacher on how you can help.
After you've had that conversation, there are three things you can do at home that will help tremendously and are quite simple:
1. Practice the basic facts with your child.
2. Learn the math vocabulary.
3. Use a reference guide for the basic equivalents.
If you do this, your child will be more confident in math, as students in a 7th grade classroom in Buffalo, New York, who are passing math for the first time in their lives have discovered.
(By the way, an integer is a whole number; a number that is not a fraction).
Smiles,
Elaine
Empowering Parents and Teachers:
I was recently sent an email with a powerpoint called, "Mathematics for Life." I want to share it with you because it's surprisingly true. The powerpoint can be downloaded in the Resources section of this site, but if you want to use it as a lesson plan, I've modified it for you below:
If a, b, c,.....z is equal to 1, 2, 3,.....26, then what is the value of words that affect our well-being?
Words such as hard work and knowledge, affect how we live our lives. What is their numerical value using the above formula?
H + A + R + D W + O + R + K
8 + 1 + 18 + 4 + 23 + 15 + 18 + 11 = ?
K + N + O + W + L + E + D + G + E
11 + 14 + 15 + 23 + 12 + 5 + 4 + 7 + 5 = ?
Words such as luck and love stick in our minds as the key to being happy. What is their value, and how does it relate to our well-being?
L + U + C + K
12 + 21 + 3 + 11 = ?
L + O + V + E
12 + 15 + 22 + 5 = ?
Do any of the above words have a numerical value that equals 100? What would the numerical value of 100 mean?
The number value of 100 means that it is true 100% of the time in our lives, no matter the situation in which we find ourselves. Is there a word that does equal 100, and is true 100% of the time in our lives, no matter what situation in which we find ourselves?
We might think the answer to this question is in words like leadership or money.
L + E + A + D + E + R + S + H + I + P
12 + 5 + 14 + 5 + 18 + 19 + 9 + 16 = ?
M + O + N + E + Y
13 + 15 + 14 + 5 + 25 = ?
Stop the powerpoint after the screen titled, "If we make 1 small adjustment..." See if students can figure it out.
Then find the answer by scrolling to the next screen. You'll be amazed. But then again, you might not be. (Answer: the word, attitude). Spell out the word attitude, with the numbers below it, and let students add the numbers to see the answer equals 100.
This is a math activity that crosses the curriculum, and gets students thinking on higher levels. Have fun with it and then add your own extension activities.
Empowering K.I.D.S. (Kids In Daily Situations):
Do you like math? More power to you!
Do you hate math? Go easy on yourself, but find out why.
You'll find that math gets easier if you do just three things:
1. Start with the basic facts: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Practice them. You will be way ahead of the game.
2. Learn math vocabulary.
Keep a journal of math words and refer back to it often.
3. Learn the basic math equivalents.
Keep a reference guide handy.
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