As a parent of four, I’ve come to appreciate the evolving landscape of math education, even if my own relationship with numbers has always been a bit rocky. Growing up in the ‘70s and ‘80s, I didn’t have the luxury of a growth mindset regarding math. We either grasped the concepts or struggled through them, and I was definitely in the latter category.
Fast forward to today, and my three children enrolled in Florida public schools are tackling what’s often referred to as “new math.” You might think I’d be frustrated with these modern methods, especially given how complex they can appear to my Generation X eyes. The various boxes, hashmarks, and elaborate word problems can be daunting, and I sometimes find myself wondering, “What on earth is an array? Or an addition sentence?” My personal favorite is when they ask, “Can you explain how you got this answer?” My response? “I just did math!”
Surprisingly, I don’t harbor any resentment towards “new math.” As someone who has always struggled with numbers, I see the value in breaking down mathematical concepts to enhance understanding. In my school days, memorizing formulas was my only lifeline. If I forgot a single formula, I was lost since I didn’t have a solid grasp of the underlying principles. My children, however, seem to approach math with a fresh perspective. They still need to memorize multiplication tables, yet they navigate this new math with a confidence that leaves me in awe.
Just last week, I visited my second grader’s classroom to facilitate a Math Superstars enrichment lesson. While working through a word problem, a young boy raised his hand and confidently shared his alternative method for arriving at the same answer. His approach was something I would never have considered, but it was just as valid. Another student began solving a different problem using his own unique method before I could even offer guidance. Their ability to find solutions in diverse ways is truly inspiring. I can’t help but wonder how this confidence will influence their approach to challenges beyond math, both now and in the future.
Many parents express frustration with Common Core, often associating new math with its influence. While I have my own reservations about certain aspects of the Common Core standards, particularly the excessive testing that seems to dominate my children’s educational experience, I believe that not all elements are negative. The new math curriculum appears to be effective, even if it diverges significantly from what I experienced in school. Just like how technology has advanced with minivans, video games, and smartphones, education is also evolving.
While it may be more intricate and demanding, this new approach encourages my children to engage deeply with numbers in ways I never did. When my child encounters a challenging math problem, I do my best to help him understand it. Yet, if I find myself perplexed, I have no qualms about sending a note back to his teacher with a question mark. They understand my struggle with “new math,” and my children seem to be thriving, aside from the occasional bumps along the way. The most important takeaway is that they are learning math effectively, even in ways that seem foreign to me.
In the end, even my math-challenged brain can see the value in this new methodology.
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Summary:
This article discusses a parent’s perspective on the “new math” curriculum being taught in schools today. Despite initial frustrations with its complexity, the author appreciates how it encourages children to engage with mathematical concepts in innovative ways, fostering confidence and deeper understanding. While acknowledging concerns about the Common Core and excessive testing, the author ultimately believes that the current approach to math education is beneficial for their children.