Never in a million years would I have thought I would want to go back to elementary school...but I do now!!!
I just got back from a math class at my kids new school and I have never been so excited about what my kids are learning. I LOVE IT! I love how they teach math, I love that they challenge them to think, to ask why, to debate. And, this doesn't just happen in math but in their other subjects as well.
This school uses Singapore math where they teach everything in 3 steps; concrete, pictorial, and then abstract. They teach everything to mastery and to the point of FULL understanding...which to me is amazing and a such a simple concept...why wouldn't you teach to full understanding? I LOVED math as a kid until I got to PreCal/Trig, I couldn't grasp it and I never understood WHY we were doing what we were doing in math, and I was done, I pretty much checked out...I just couldn't grasp the concepts. But in just an hour I learned why we did a few things that I never understood AND I learned a few great tricks for mental or speed maths...it was a lot of fun, and I was sad that the class ended...yes, I was sad that a math class was over...crazy.
I could go on...but I will save all those who don't care. Just ask me if you want to hear more : ) But here is a fun problem to try:
Lucy spent 3/5 of her money on a handbag. She spent the rest of the money on a dress and a belt. The handbag cost twice as much as the dress. The dress cost $20 more than the belt. How much money did she have at first?
Before this class...I wouldn't have known where to begin...after, I solved it in less than a minute. I will post the model drawing (my solution) and the algorithm (that Owen did) later.
Did I mention that I LOVE their school and EVERYTHING they are learning??
