this is 2nd grade math???

[Cindy B]

I think Everyday Math is addressing this issue. EM is the only program my kids have had (ages 8 and 12) and I'm constantly amazed how their minds wrap around any number problem we give them. They don't just rely on memory, but rather are able to think about the problem and work it out. A skill that will last them a lifetime.
And BTW--didn't our parents have the same gripes when we came home with homework? I distinctly remember whining to my dad (back in the '70's), "But dad--that's not how we're supposed to solve it!" And didn't our parents say that the new way was wacky and made no sense? And didn't we do okay (for what was needed in terms of math skills/job/global economy etc)?
The times, they are a' constantly changin'...
Nevermind--just a thought. Back to your regularly scheduled rant.

I'm not a fan of Everyday Math. There is a terrible curriculum out there called Math Investigations which takes the visual much further. Our district is using it right now and I used to cringe when my high level enriched 5th grader would come home with homework "show 5 ways to draw a pattern of 10" . Yes, that was 5th grade homework. Kindergarteners could do that.

I complained and said that this type of curriculum would NOT prepare students for middle school. I complained some more and this curriculum is NOT being taught as a main teaching tool anymore for the 5th grade. My son also got placed into a higher level math class as well.

I like hybrid courses of different curriculum. Since I sub throughout the district, I see some pretty text heavy math instruction and some that don't touch the text at all and use collaborative learning, worksheets and labs to show processes.

I'm excited to hear that the enriched students in our district are doing college level stuff. If they can handle it, thats a great thing.

 

[Sleepy]

Why on earth You think your kids are going to be prepared if you hold them back because you don't understand the teaching methods ?

I think it's fine that kids are learning at a more advanced pace, but what irritates me is the fact that the school systems want to push the whole "parents helping their kids with homework" and "be more involved with your kids' learning.", yet when our kids come home with assignments, we cannot help them because when they need assisstance, our method of solving the problem will cause more harm than good because our way is "doing it wrong" even though we come up with the correct answer.

 

[Tantor]

I prefer the old way, the one I learned 55 years ago.

me too Dan, me too. I think they are making it more complicated for these poor little tykes.

 

[BethanyF]

I think it's fine that kids are learning at a more advanced pace, but what irritates me is the fact that the school systems want to push the whole "parents helping their kids with homework" and "be more involved with your kids' learning.", yet when our kids come home with assignments, we cannot help them because when they need assisstance, our method of solving the problem will cause more harm than good because our way is "doing it wrong" even though we come up with the correct answer.

That's exactly the problem. I dont have a problem with what they are teaching, or even how they are teaching it. What I have a problem with is me not knowing the right way to help.

 

[Disney Doll]

Good thing I'm not in 2nd grade!!!!!!!!

 

[canwegosoon]

I used to love FOIL! Alas, I believe it's slowly being written out of the curriculum. I'm such a dinosaur!

I'm a little older than you..but I don't remember it being called Foil (thank you early Alzheimers)...but I do sub at several middle schools and they are still using it here (in the 7th grade). The funny thing is when I explain the math the way I look at it the light bulb goes off for some, and then sometimes I have an advanced student explain it as they look at it, the light bulb goes off for others. I am so suprised that by 6th grade 1/2 of the students really begin to get afraid of math. Usually if you go slow, and think about it in terms(like money or a If statement) you can usually do it.