Math, Math, Math
At the beginning of the school year, I researched math curriculums. Sounds exciting doesn't it? Well, I had to do start figuring out what is going on with the math curriculum in my county because both of my older kids were placed in upper level math groupings. I should be proud, right? Well, yes. I am. They are both smart kids, and they both work extremely hard. But, I had to ask myself if it is right for them to be accelerated so quickly. My older child was placed two years ahead of her grade level, and my middle child was placed a year ahead. After the initial burst of pride I felt, I started to worry whether they really had the skills to be placed in these math groupings. That's when I decided to start finding out more about the math curriculum in our county.
In our county, we use Everyday Math - The University of Chicago system. They use what is called spiraling methodology to teach math. So, children will be introduced to concepts again and again. but with different depth as they progress through the curriculum. So, a first grader will be introduced the concept of area and perimeter in the first grade, and again in the second, and so on an so forth. My research shows that most of the country uses it as well. I have mixed feelings about the system. In theory, it sounds pretty great, but I think the traditional approach probably works best. Math needs repetition to really hone the skills.
Also, what about introducing lofty concepts like perimeter, area, and algebra to these little ones? It doesn't matter that cognitively they are not ready for some of the subject matter. They also have no frame of reference for the subject matter. How does a 6 year old child wrap his head around the concept of area. To me, it seems the idea is simply to accelerate the kids just for the sake of acceleration. No matter that test scores in middle school are dropping because kids don't get enough practice with basic arithmetic or depth of knowledge.
Math takes time, practice, and is probably one of the most important skills you learn in school. Math is pervasive in everyday life. It turns you into a logical, creative thinker, and builds problem solving skills. I ended up taking the kids out of their accelerated classes. I think they need more practice. I don't want them to be struggling in middle school, because the glossed over key concepts in grammar school. Most teachers tell me how much they admire the decision and say they wish more parents would do the same. A lot of the kids hate math now, because it just crammed down their throats with an incredible intensity. I am just happy that my kids are happy, and they still love math.
In our county, we use Everyday Math - The University of Chicago system. They use what is called spiraling methodology to teach math. So, children will be introduced to concepts again and again. but with different depth as they progress through the curriculum. So, a first grader will be introduced the concept of area and perimeter in the first grade, and again in the second, and so on an so forth. My research shows that most of the country uses it as well. I have mixed feelings about the system. In theory, it sounds pretty great, but I think the traditional approach probably works best. Math needs repetition to really hone the skills.
Also, what about introducing lofty concepts like perimeter, area, and algebra to these little ones? It doesn't matter that cognitively they are not ready for some of the subject matter. They also have no frame of reference for the subject matter. How does a 6 year old child wrap his head around the concept of area. To me, it seems the idea is simply to accelerate the kids just for the sake of acceleration. No matter that test scores in middle school are dropping because kids don't get enough practice with basic arithmetic or depth of knowledge.
Math takes time, practice, and is probably one of the most important skills you learn in school. Math is pervasive in everyday life. It turns you into a logical, creative thinker, and builds problem solving skills. I ended up taking the kids out of their accelerated classes. I think they need more practice. I don't want them to be struggling in middle school, because the glossed over key concepts in grammar school. Most teachers tell me how much they admire the decision and say they wish more parents would do the same. A lot of the kids hate math now, because it just crammed down their throats with an incredible intensity. I am just happy that my kids are happy, and they still love math.
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