Demystifying Elementary Math (from a Secondary Perspective)

  I ran another social media survey about math (I know, I'm a blast at parties...I swear).  This time I learned that adults - just like my students - avoid fractions! So, that got me thinking... This week's video is all about fractions (the why and how) and a little challenge to all you parents out there!  Watch and let me know what you think!! :) 

It's been hard to tell where summer break began this school year (2019-2020 into 2020-2021). And with the strange end of the year leading into and uncertain new one, you and your child can be practicing math. Not with worksheets or computer programs, but in 5 or 10 minutes of conversation a day.  I bet you'll find that all those connections your student was learning at school are still there.  Fostering that learning at home will help ensure your child is safe from summer slide AND fall falter!

Drawing a picture is one way to envision a fraction problem, but it certainly isn't the only way.  Another strategy for dealing with fractions is to utilize a number line. A number line is really the school version of a tape measure - and every carpenter or contractor knows their tape measure fractions!  If we expose students to the number line early and often, then as they start to investigate negative numbers the concept will be clearer. We aim for students to be flexible and nimble in their thinking, so if one pattern or strategy doesn't work they don't give up - instead they have another tool in their tool box (perhaps a tape measure?) to use.

Fractions - another one of those things that send shivers down the spines of adults who never EVER have to see them again, right?   Well, sure. Unless you use a measuring tape. Or cook or bake - especially if you decide to double or *gasp* halve a recipe.   I think we can all agree that fractions HAVE a place in the real world.  So why in the world do we allow our students to hate them so much? Fractions are seen earlier and earlier in elementary math these days and for good reason: we don't need to hide concepts from kids. Every single child understands what half a sandwich looks like (and can probably tell you if their brother just got the "bigger half"...which can't be a thing, but I digress...) What do you, as a parent or tutor or homework helper, need to know about fractions in elementary school? I'm going to explore a few different strategies for fraction work in a series of videos. Starting with pictures.   If you're out ther...