A limited view of education is that students are receptacles for knowledge. We give it to them. They take it. Deal done. A further limiting view of education is that each student has a fixed capacity for learning and understanding and it is the job of schooling to identify who has got what, and send... Continue Reading →
Or "How Math Talk is Like the Sex Talk." Did that get your attention? Hope so. but remember, this is a blog about teaching kids math, so... Only answer the question they ask. Parents joke about this rule as it applies to kids' questions about human reproduction, but it applies to almost any subject. Even... Continue Reading →
I was recently asked to tutor a high school student who was struggling with natural logarithms and the number e. My first reaction was, "Oh. Crud. I don't remember that stuff very well." My second thought was, "Not an issue! My schedule is packed, and I'm not even available to tutor!" My third and more thoughtful reaction... Continue Reading →
The 8-year-old already describes himself as a "math guy." Though he loves to read, and he writes some very thoughtful things on school papers, he claims that he is "not good" at writing and that it is much too difficult and laborious (my word, not his.) There is nothing wrong with having a preference. And... Continue Reading →
This is a quick and easy math activity for young AND old children...mirror books! Go to your local craft store and buy 2 mirrors. I bought two 12" square mirrors from Michael's. Alternatively, you could get them on Amazon. I recommend beveled mirrors so that they are less likely to crunch and crush against each... Continue Reading →
mathy moments 