Q

Heidi wrote:
>>>BUT...the brain work that goes into learning and
>>knowing how to do abstract number exercises like algebra, increases
>>the ability of the brain to think about ANY subject. It's GOOD for
>>the brain to "workout" by doing abstract stuff. And so, how would an
>>unschooling family get algebra across to the kids? Or long division,
>>for that matter? LOL

This got me thinking....I took all the necessary math classes when I　was in
school because it was expected of me. I got good grades too, and a decent
math SAT score, because that was expected of me...my parents would have
kicked my butt otherwise. I then proceeded to choose a college that would
not require me to take any more math or science courses, because I simply
didn't like it and wasn't interested. Was any of that advanced math useful?
I don't really think so, since I managed to promptly forget it as soon as I
could. Guess I was tired of meeting peoples' expectations.
No one taught me how to balance a checkbook, which would have been really
useful. Had to figure that out on my own much later.

Here in Japan, kids are doing calculus in junior high....is that a good
thing? For some of them , maybe. For the rest, it is just one more hurdle
they have to jump over..because it's expected of them. I have no idea what
I'll do if my son turns out to be interested in math because I'm rather
afraid of it, and still recovering from having it forced down my throat.
Luckily, Dh is an engineer and will probably be able to handle it.

Hikaru