Multiplying the "New" Way

More than anything, I want to help parents see that the "new" methods they're seeing their students work on during this virtual schooling stint isn't all that new and it's definitely not scary.

The first topic I'll tackle is this meme:

I HATE these kinds of things. But this one in particular really grates on my nerves since this very strategy is SO helpful in Algebra 1 (pretty much my favorite course to teach of ALL the high school courses).
Check out my explanation here: Demystifying Elementary Math Video 1
So in the end, be patient. I promise your student WILL learn all the strategies you learned "back in the day" too - but they'll also be building number sense and reasoning skills alongside their math skills.
Got a topic you want Demystified? Shoot me an e-mail at MrsLeighMath@gmail.com

Comments

The sum is the same, no matter how you got there; so how'd you get there?

Yet another example of adults saying "But there's a better way..." No one would argue that you, adult, can add probably faster than an elementary school student. We are in the process of building UP TO that speed and accuracy. By encouraging your child to imagine the groupings, you are building their imagination (draw whatever you'd like!), their math skills (count up, make 10s), and their mental flexibility ALL IN 1 PROBLEM! Check out my NEW addition video for a little more about how this problem is VERY similar to what many adults already do! Making sense of a problem IRL isn't about having an algorithm to write out your work. Instead it's about applying what you know to a REAL situation. This is what most adults think of when they see an addition problem: But this is what many ...

Tools for Now, Learning for Later

That quote, is SPOT ON! I don't disagree in the least. (Bet you didn't expect that, did you??) However, I don't know any elementary school students who are sent to the grocery store to do the weekly shopping on a budget alone. Number lines, hundreds boards, ten frames, algebra tiles, and all the other physical representations of math and numbers give students something concrete to set the stage for learning. We move away from each of them fairly quickly as students become more fluent in their math facts, but they provide a perfect physical and visual reminder for students to mentally refer back to as they learn and grow. We all encourage our kids to try new things - consider adding new math strategies to that list! (And cheer them on, just like you would if they were trying a new sport or instrument.)

There's HOW MANY ways to add 2 numbers?

To answer the title question - a LOT! We take for granted that most of us adults can add quickly because we "know our math facts". For many of us that may be true, but I would bet that the vast majority of adults out there do quite a few of the addition strategies your children are taught in elementary school without even knowing it! This video addresses some of the addition strategies that I've seen frustrating parents. Addition Video As always, let me know if there's a topic you'd like to see Demystified!

Demystifying Elementary Math (from a Secondary Perspective)

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