dinalauzon

I can remember when I was a kid and I would be reading something I
would go ask my mom what such-and-such a word meant. She would
never just tell me what it meant she would always say "go look it up
in the dictionary". Of course, now I know what she was trying to
do, but do you think I EVER looked up ONE word? Heck no!

Now, as far as multiplication tricks go, I have a larger question at
hand. My kids (ages 10 and 8) have had a very brief stint with a
mathematics curriculum, but we never got as far as multiplication.
In fact, we never even got as far as adding two digit numbers. So I
am seriously wondering, will they learn things like 7X8=56 without
any formal instruction? And does it matter? I mean, we do need to
understand some math in order to function in this society. But do
we necessarily need someone to "teach" it to us? (hey,
someone "taught" me and I still am quite foggy about a lot of
concepts)
Anyone have some words of wisdom and experience on this one?

[email protected]

In a message dated 6/14/04 9:02:22 AM, dlauzon32@... writes:

<< I can remember when I was a kid and I would be reading something I

would go ask my mom what such-and-such a word meant. She would

never just tell me what it meant she would always say "go look it up

in the dictionary". Of course, now I know what she was trying to

do, but do you think I EVER looked up ONE word? Heck no! >>

Now that you know what she was trying to do, does that make it a good thing
to have tried to do? <bwg>

Here's something I wrote years ago. It's short, but shaming. People should
just answer their kids' questions, I think, and not be mean or hypocritical in
the name of "education."

http://SandraDodd.com/aradicalthought
"How Not to use Reference Materials , which is actually in favor of using
reference materials, just not in favor of abusing kids with them."

-=-In fact, we never even got as far as adding two digit numbers. So I

am seriously wondering, will they learn things like 7X8=56 without

any formal instruction?-=-

The majority of people WITH formal intruction don't memorize that. The
trauma and mystery overwhelm the "simple fact," and multiplication shouldn't be
"simple facts" anyway, it should be the ability to KNOW how to re-construct that
number every time the situation arises in the real world, which 1) is not very
often and 2) makes it possible for the person to figure out ANY other "fact."

Here's some info on how my kids and some other unschoolers deal/dealt with
multiplication:

http://sandradodd.com/timestables

Sandra

Renee Seawell

I read your article Sandra. IT'S GREAT! Gives me courage with my four children.

Blessings,
Renee in GA




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