As a parent, I’ve never been what one would call a math whiz. Admitting this may not align with the popular growth mindset philosophy, but it’s the truth. I grew up during the ’70s and ’80s when education was more about being inherently good or bad at subjects, and I certainly fell into the latter category.
Fast forward to today, and I find myself with four kids, three of whom attend public schools in Florida, where they’re learning math in what’s known as the “new way.” You might expect me to resist this approach, especially since it seems utterly baffling at times. The strategies and techniques they use appear overly complicated to someone like me, who is now in their 40s. I often find myself scratching my head over terms like “array” or “addition sentence.” And when they ask, “Explain how you got that answer,” I can’t help but think, “I just used math!”
Surprisingly, though, I don’t despise this “new math.” As someone who has struggled with math in the past, I can appreciate the effort to break down concepts and teach them in a way that encourages true understanding. Back in my school days, I relied heavily on memorizing formulas. If I forgot one, I was lost, as I lacked the foundational understanding to work through problems without relying on rote memorization. My kids, on the other hand, seem to have a different grasp of mathematics. They still memorize multiplication tables, but they also think critically about numbers in a way I never did.
Just last week, I visited my second grader’s classroom for a Math Superstars lesson. After presenting a word problem, one little boy raised his hand and said, “Mrs. Lewis, I solved it another way.” He confidently shared his method, which was completely different from mine yet yielded the same answer. I would have never thought to approach it that way, but it was just as valid. In another instance, I noticed a student doodling circles and hashmarks on the board, and before I could chime in, he had already arrived at the correct solution. The ease with which these children manipulate numbers and their willingness to explore alternative methods astounds me.
While many parents voice their disdain for Common Core, often linking it to the so-called “new math,” I find myself in a nuanced position. I have my reservations about certain aspects of Common Core, particularly the excessive high-stakes testing that my children face. This testing consumes a lot of instructional time and stifles creativity in the classroom. However, it’s important to note that Common Core does not dictate the curriculum, and sometimes the curriculum works quite well. In my experience, the new math appears to be effective. It may not resemble the math I was taught, but then again, so many things have changed since my childhood—like technology and communication methods. Why should education be any different?
Yes, this new approach is complex and requires more effort, but it also encourages my children to engage with math on a deeper level. When they encounter homework questions I can’t comprehend, I don’t hesitate to reach out to their teachers for clarification, and they’re totally understanding. They know that I’m still grappling with this new math while my kids are adapting to it just fine, aside from the occasional question or challenging day. Ultimately, they are picking up math skills and exceeding my expectations.
To sum it up, even my math-challenged brain can appreciate the progress my children are making. If you’re curious about more parenting insights, check out this blog post here, and if you’re in need of an at-home insemination kit, Make a Mom is a trustworthy online retailer. For those exploring family-building options, Resolve offers excellent resources.
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