2nd grade....algebra????

[Toby'sFriend]

They certainly are starting them younger and younger. DS's Godmother said her daughter was doing in 7th grade what she did in high school! Let's add a little more stress to their lives.

I think what many parents question is why are we starting them younger and younger and is it having the desired effect? I also definately agree with the stress - it upsets the kids to constantly have to spend so much time struggling with concepts their brains just don't seem ready to grasp.

In my work at the Jr. High Math lab what I see is a few top students who have a fairly good grasp of the concepts -- and hoardes of other students who are lost, confused, and can barely multiply 37 x 93 without a calculator struggling to master what the local Community College calls Freshman Algebra.

 

[Pin Wizard]

They definitely need to memorize their multiplication tables! I'm a prime example of what happens when you don't. I still have to figure things out. When I mention it to DS, he pops out with the answer! My parents never sat with me to memorize them. With DS we used the flash cards and mad minute tests...how many problems can you correctly complete in one minute. Wish my parents spent that time on me!!

 

[aprincessmom]

DD is doing this type of problem for extra credit in first grade...she and two other children in the class.

The method expected to solve the problem is most likely guess and check. As an intermediate and high school math teacher I think it is super that they are introducing word problems in the primary grades. So many people are absolutely terrified of word problems and can't actually think through them logically but just go blank. Introducing problems at this young age will hopefully take away some of the fear and teach children that problems can be solved in many ways.

When I talked to the teacher about it, the above was almost exactly what she told me. She wants them to use the guess and check method and get used to math in a logic context, not simply just numbers and facts that are memorized. She said that by giving them exposure to this type of math problem would help ease the fears that seem to develop towards logic/math problems and thinking a solution through vs. using a memorized fact drummed into the brain with no whys or hows.

Personally, I'd rather have my child be able to think things through and be able to explain and understand why she got the answer she gave.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Originally posted by Toby'sFriend
I think what many parents question is why are we starting them younger and younger and is it having the desired effect? I also definately agree with the stress - it upsets the kids to constantly have to spend so much time struggling with concepts their brains just don't seem ready to grasp.

Yup. DS's Godmother's daughter also mentioned that she doesn't like to answer questions in class and volunteers something even less. She says if you get the answer wrong, Sr. Josephine YELLS at them. Gee...isn't that encouraging!

 

[FINFAN]

It's only gonna get worse is right, unless the parents put their foot down and become advocates for our kids that their childhoods are going to he** in a handbasket. People are shocked at kids "cracking" under pressure and carrying guns to school in frustration? children w/ depression is becoming a high rising illness. Someone posted a while back the high increase in ADD/ADHD school diagnosed children, classes are overcrowded, no teacher can reach every child with the type of attention that is need for the volume they are expected to master. And, yes, they are scratching the surface of concepts, securing very few. Then the school will notify parents that the child doesn't know the basics. Home-schooling is on the rise. No child left behind? They are all being left behind. DS current school recommends ALL children attend a min. of 4 weeks of summerschool or they will not be prepared for their next grade. Well, who didn't prepare them? Who is accepting these high standards? Not starting a debate here, just voicing that as long as we as parents allow our kids to be pushed over the edge we can't complain about it, and I have complained plenty. Our district told me if I don't like it, move to another district. So there you have it. Education has taken a turn to have absolutely nothing to do with the best interest of the individual child. Teachers have a tough life. Parents have a tough life. The kids are getting it from both sides. They are the ones who suffer.

 

[damo]

Just a question here from a Canadian. In Canada we pretty much have a standard curriculum. Ontario follows a standard curriculum from K to 12 so that if a child is moving to a different location they will not be ahead or behind. They also have standardized testing in Grades 3, 6 and 9 to ensure consistency throughout the province. From what I have been reading, I get the feeling that the curriculum can change from district to district in the US. Is this common practice throughout?

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

FINFAN, we are fighting the exact opposite battle here. The expectations are so low that even the lowest end children can master them. They are encouraging below average. We are looked down upon because we helping our boys accelerate. They might hurt the other childrens' feelings if they are TOO GOOD.

It's always something!!!!

 

[MrsMud]

I have to laugh, because my daughter (who is in 1st grade), came home with almost this exact problem at the bottom of her worksheet. My reaction to this problem was similar to yours: "Algebra in 1st grade!?!?" However, I have found that often I assume that the work is harder than it really is, and this is a prime example. When I questioned her teacher, she explained that the kids had been learning "fair shares" in school (i.e. there are a fair share of cats and dogs), so this problem just asked them to put 4 more in one column. So, put 4 in the cats column, then divide the balance up between the cats and dogs and you will get the answer. Now that I understand it is only a logical extension of what she has already learned, I think it's pretty neat that they ARE learning the basics of division and algebra, but in a way they can understand. BTW, once I relayed what the teacher said, my daughter had no difficulty with those types of problems.

 

[disykat]

Thanks mm, that was a great way to explain that problem!

I'm also in the "too much homework" camp. My kids love to read and write at home just for fun, but don't like homework. In second and fourth grade, I find that homework is holding them back doing busywork when they could be spending the time being more creative (or taking music lessons etc.). Their teachers have both lightened up towards the end of the year and aren't sending as many worksheets. Now they are just expected to read, practice math facts, and do one at-home writing assignment a week. Finally!

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

disycat, I agree that worksheets are a pain, but I also see that if you teach elementary kids to take something home, complete it, and return it to school the following day, that future homework is much less of a problem. Even if it takes 5 minutes to complete, it's more the responsibility that is being learned.

Kids here just don't return the homework, so eventually the teachers stop giving it because the parents won't help out by making sure the work is done.

 

[Pooh93]

I have really enjoyed reading this thread today.

However, I have found that often I assume that the work is harder than it really is, and this is a prime example

This is exactly what I have done with some of dd's 1st grade math. They did tallying and DD had homework problems correctly done and then I tried to tell her they are wrong!

This morning I tried to set this dog and cat problem up in an algebraic equation and then it finally dawned on me that 1st and 2nd graders wouldn't be expected to do this yet. (At least I don't think so) Then I finally made some circles on a piece of paper and figured it out! Amen, I can do (maybe ) 2nd grade math.

 

[FINFAN]

For those who have the UCSMP program for math ( new math, the one no parents here were informed about until it was implemented) you may want to visit this site: www.mathmaticallycorrect.com
At least you will see that you are not alone in the frustration of it all.

 

[damo]

LOL Finfan you forgot the "e"!!! I guess math and spelling don't necessarily go together

I think the site iswww.mathematicallycorrect.com

 

[FINFAN]

LOL damo....spelling has never been my stong point. What can I say...I would have never survived what todays kids are expected to produce. Thanks for correcting my error.