Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Math
[email protected]
I have found that in teaching special ed kids, they accept math better by
starting with calculator use and computer programs. They then can be
encouraged to "do math" from there. Most school programs start from the
other direction, teaching math computation skills first, because they think
it will hamper the childs learning. I have found it the opposite. They are
more ready to learn computation skills because they see how it can be used to
speed their work. You might try that. Most kids are fascinated with
calculators anyway. How many of us have given a toddler a calculator to keep
them busy while we conduct business with an adult, complete grocery shopping,
or even, I confess, keep them quiet in church?
Evelyn
starting with calculator use and computer programs. They then can be
encouraged to "do math" from there. Most school programs start from the
other direction, teaching math computation skills first, because they think
it will hamper the childs learning. I have found it the opposite. They are
more ready to learn computation skills because they see how it can be used to
speed their work. You might try that. Most kids are fascinated with
calculators anyway. How many of us have given a toddler a calculator to keep
them busy while we conduct business with an adult, complete grocery shopping,
or even, I confess, keep them quiet in church?
Evelyn
[email protected]
OK, I'll jump in on the math thing.
My dh was in ps, making fair grades in average math, until he decided he
wanted to attend a fairly competitive private school. So he taught himself
algebra in a fairly short period of time.
The following summer, knowing that he wanted to become a scientist, he taught
himself calculus.
It can be done, if the student is motivated. (I'll admit, my unbiased ;-)
opinion is that my dh is brighter than average, but then again, most people
would never need to go so far as calculus)
:-) Diane
My dh was in ps, making fair grades in average math, until he decided he
wanted to attend a fairly competitive private school. So he taught himself
algebra in a fairly short period of time.
The following summer, knowing that he wanted to become a scientist, he taught
himself calculus.
It can be done, if the student is motivated. (I'll admit, my unbiased ;-)
opinion is that my dh is brighter than average, but then again, most people
would never need to go so far as calculus)
:-) Diane
[email protected]
My son is 11 yrs and got a computer program and it was pre algbra. He looked
and me and say"we never covered this in ps." Well I told him that it had
been awhile for me too and I sat down and started playing this game. All he
did watch me and then he got on the game and finished two levels. I was
quite surprized he picked it up that quick.
and me and say"we never covered this in ps." Well I told him that it had
been awhile for me too and I sat down and started playing this game. All he
did watch me and then he got on the game and finished two levels. I was
quite surprized he picked it up that quick.
Olivia
Thanks for all your responses about helping a child learn math. We do have
calculators, LOTS of games, and many computer programs that involve math.
These go mostly unused, however. I'll suggest "Why don't we play..." and
most of the time he says no or "not right now", or picks another game
instead that doesn't involve math. BUT he is very motivated to use math in
relation to money (how many weeks of allowance to buy something, etc.), so
I guess I shouldn't worry, he will pick it up eventually. I think it is
hard to watch my 7yo struggle to remember something simple, like 3+7, when
someone tells me about how their 5 yo is adding 3-digit numbers in her head
(happened yesterday!), and then try to go on to explain how homeschooling
works for us. I have encountered this expectation from non-homeschoolers
that homeschooled children should be more advanced academically than their
public schooled counterparts. I just usually say "everyone learns at his or
her own pace" and let the subject go.
Olivia
calculators, LOTS of games, and many computer programs that involve math.
These go mostly unused, however. I'll suggest "Why don't we play..." and
most of the time he says no or "not right now", or picks another game
instead that doesn't involve math. BUT he is very motivated to use math in
relation to money (how many weeks of allowance to buy something, etc.), so
I guess I shouldn't worry, he will pick it up eventually. I think it is
hard to watch my 7yo struggle to remember something simple, like 3+7, when
someone tells me about how their 5 yo is adding 3-digit numbers in her head
(happened yesterday!), and then try to go on to explain how homeschooling
works for us. I have encountered this expectation from non-homeschoolers
that homeschooled children should be more advanced academically than their
public schooled counterparts. I just usually say "everyone learns at his or
her own pace" and let the subject go.
Olivia
Lainie Duro
I have been reading a book called _Family Math_ by Jean Kerr Stenmark (?)
and I think it's great! Tons of math games and activities that actually seem
fun and educational, but not overtly "mathy". I also chanced upon a book
called _MathArts_ by, I believe, Maryann Kohl. Actually, my 3 year old son
found that one at the library somehow. Same thing as family math, only all
of the games are art projects. It's really wonderful, it's not really
curriculum, and there are tons of ideas, so you're certain to find one that
your son will enjoy!
Good luck!
livelifelove
Lainie
Mama to Monk (3.5) & Cole (edd 10/31)
Caretaker of Giuseppe, Bela, & Funnyface (cats) and Twyla (dog)
Olivia wrote:
and I think it's great! Tons of math games and activities that actually seem
fun and educational, but not overtly "mathy". I also chanced upon a book
called _MathArts_ by, I believe, Maryann Kohl. Actually, my 3 year old son
found that one at the library somehow. Same thing as family math, only all
of the games are art projects. It's really wonderful, it's not really
curriculum, and there are tons of ideas, so you're certain to find one that
your son will enjoy!
Good luck!
livelifelove
Lainie
Mama to Monk (3.5) & Cole (edd 10/31)
Caretaker of Giuseppe, Bela, & Funnyface (cats) and Twyla (dog)
Olivia wrote:
> I know it is not very unschooling-like to ask about this but...
> My 7 yo has gotten to a point where he has expressed a need for some
> help learning basic math (for scorekeeping in games and managing
> money, etc.). He has little confidence in this area. I am not sure
> how to proceed to help him without turning him off to math concepts,
> as has happened in the past. He doesn't like doing math on paper and
> has a hard time calculating in his head because he says he can't
> remember math facts. I thought he might like some program (Math-U-
> See?) that uses blocks because he is very hands-on and enjoys
> building with Legos. So, what do you do if a child asks for help in a
> specific subject? I don't think it is anti-unschooling to provide
> help through a special program as long as it has been requested. Any
> suggestions for math?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Olivia
>
>
>
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[email protected]
In a message dated 8/6/00 9:52:11 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
liv2learn@... writes:
<< I don't think it is anti-unschooling to provide
help through a special program as long as it has been requested. Any
suggestions for math?
money I would use real money. Maybe play pretend store. Make some
price tags, price some toys or food etc. Give it some time, he may not
pick it up immediately. My dd when first introduced to money just could
not understand that 4 quarters make a dollar or that five ones made a five
dollar bill. Just play and introduce. For scorekeeping if you are using
simple numbers try counting with small objects like legos or colored stones
or something.
Kathy
liv2learn@... writes:
<< I don't think it is anti-unschooling to provide
help through a special program as long as it has been requested. Any
suggestions for math?
>>Of course you can provide help and give suggestions : )!! For learning about
money I would use real money. Maybe play pretend store. Make some
price tags, price some toys or food etc. Give it some time, he may not
pick it up immediately. My dd when first introduced to money just could
not understand that 4 quarters make a dollar or that five ones made a five
dollar bill. Just play and introduce. For scorekeeping if you are using
simple numbers try counting with small objects like legos or colored stones
or something.
Kathy
[email protected]
Lainie:
What ages are these books for?
Amy Aponte
In a message dated 08/07/2000 2:23:25 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
lainie@... writes:
What ages are these books for?
Amy Aponte
In a message dated 08/07/2000 2:23:25 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
lainie@... writes:
> I have been reading a book called _Family Math_ by Jean Kerr Stenmark (?)seem
> and I think it's great! Tons of math games and activities that actually
> fun and educational, but not overtly "mathy". I also chanced upon a book
> called _MathArts_ by, I believe, Maryann Kohl. Actually, my 3 year old son
> found that one at the library somehow. Same thing as family math, only all
> of the games are art projects. It's really wonderful, it's not really
> curriculum, and there are tons of ideas, so you're certain to find one that
> your son will enjoy!
>
>
[email protected]
When this happens to us I just comment that, gosh, we've been
concentrating so much on other things we haven't worked much on
that/isn't it great that we can do that since we homeschool/blah blah
blah.
Frankly I figured out the truth of these statements when dd#2 cut 4
teeth in 4 weeks and didn't learn to crawl until she was finished
with the tooth thing. Funny how developmental things that seem so
obvious when you're around a baby (like fussing before a growth
spurt, doing 1 new skill at a time, etc.) slip my mind when dealing
with older children.
Gail
(I'd be more coherent, but I'm holding a sleeping baby & typing 1
handed)
concentrating so much on other things we haven't worked much on
that/isn't it great that we can do that since we homeschool/blah blah
blah.
Frankly I figured out the truth of these statements when dd#2 cut 4
teeth in 4 weeks and didn't learn to crawl until she was finished
with the tooth thing. Funny how developmental things that seem so
obvious when you're around a baby (like fussing before a growth
spurt, doing 1 new skill at a time, etc.) slip my mind when dealing
with older children.
Gail
(I'd be more coherent, but I'm holding a sleeping baby & typing 1
handed)
--- In [email protected], Olivia <liv2learn@y...> wrote:
I have encountered this expectation from non-homeschoolers
> that homeschooled children should be more advanced academically
than their
> public schooled counterparts. I just usually say "everyone learns
at his or
> her own pace" and let the subject go.
>
> Olivia