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Advice for Parents
More than one equation to teach math
By Leanna Landsmann
Q: When I work with my third-grader, Mitchell, on math, I
use a different approach than his teacher. I think my way is more
effective because I use everyday activities. Sometimes the worksheets
she sends home have no context. I never criticize her homework or
teaching methods but want to be involved in his education. Will
I confuse him?
A: Don't worry. It's useful to learn that there's more than one
way to approach a math problem.
Marilyn Burns, one of the nation's top math educators, applauds
the time you spend on math with your son. "Children do best
when teachers and parents are partners. This doesn't happen enough
with math."
"The at-home experiences won't in any way harm Mitchell. They
will only enrich his learning," says Burns, founder of Math
Solutions, a company that promotes best practices in K-8 math instruction.
Burns believes that using everyday activities is extremely valuable.
"It shows Mitchell how much math is inherent in our lives."
You're wise not to criticize his teacher. If he ever seems confused
about your approach, step back and confer with her.
Burns suggests you can increase the impact of your effort by emphasizing
mental math, a necessary skill, but one teachers don't often devote
enough time to. Mental math refers to giving children exercises
and problems to solve in their heads, designed to review and advance
essential basic skills. "Mental math activities are an important
balance to paper-and-pencil work.
They help a child build number sense, convey to him the importance
and relevance of math and help ground his learning," says Burns.
Every day we add, subtract, multiply or divide mentally, notes
Burns. "We figure how much time it takes to get to school,
estimate the price of a sale item or double recipes by calculating
in our heads. Being able to reason numerically is an important life
skill you can have fun teaching Mitchell."
Burns calls this "hands-on-the-table math." When she
teaches it, she asks students to clear away pencil and paper and
place their hands on the table. Then she presents a problem to solve
in their heads. It might be an addition or multiplication problem
presented as an estimation challenge. "For example, give Mitchell
an addition problem with two two-digit numbers, say 26 + 57, and
have him explain how he'll find the sum," says Burns. "To
add challenge, have him figure out how much more is needed to make
100. This gives him practice manipulating numbers and develops his
mathematical thinking to arrive at the answer in different ways."
Money is great for mental math problems, says Burns. "Have
Mitchell figure out how to spend exactly $100 by buying two things
with different prices. How could he spend exactly $100 by buying
three things with different prices? How could he spend exactly $100
by buying three things with different prices if one of the items
costs $39? "
Always encourage Mitchell to explain his reasoning, even when he
gives correct answers. "In mental math, explaining is important,"
says Burns. If Mitchell gives an incorrect answer, don't correct
him immediately. Take time to question and let him explain. Children
often self-correct if given the chance. Never leave Mitchell with
a misconception, but don't rush to solve his problem for him."
Burns also encourages play that develops math concepts. "For
example, building sophisticated structures with blocks promotes
problem-solving and spatial skills. Math-related puzzles and riddles
promote logic." She likes "KenKen," a new puzzle
sweeping the nation, and recommends a new series just for kids,
"I Can KenKen!" (St. Martins Press, 2008). "These
look like Sudoku but require more thinking about number relationships
along with using logic," says Burns. "I tested them with
third-graders, and they were a big hit."
Do you have a question about your child's education? E-mail it
to Leanna@aplusadvice.com.
Leanna Landsmann is an education writer who began her career as
a classroom teacher. She has served on education commissions, visited
classrooms in 49 states to observe best practices, and founded Principal
for a Day in New York City.
Copyright 2008, United Feature Syndicate, Inc.
A-PLUS ADVICE FOR PARENTS 11-17-08
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