There’s been a lot of chatter recently about the Common Core curriculum, particularly the push for students to demonstrate the reasoning behind their answers. Many parents wonder why simply providing the correct answer isn’t sufficient.
Take, for instance, a simple math question posed to one young student:
“Tommy has four dimes. Sarah has 30 pennies. Who has more money?”
Tommy confidently replied, “Tommy.” When asked to explain his reasoning, he delivered a response that was nothing short of delightful.
Let’s pause to appreciate Tommy’s unique take on the “Show your thinking” request that often leaves parents scratching their heads. His answer was imaginative and certainly outside the norm—something any parent would be proud of. My favorite detail? He included a drawing of himself resembling E.T., looking quite forlorn.
Kudos to you, Tommy! These types of questions can be a source of annoyance for many. A Reddit user, named Kelly, shared this assignment with a caption that read, “This is why my kid is going places.” I absolutely adore her enthusiasm for her child’s creativity! She told The Huffington Post, “I think he took the question literally! We explained to him why it was so amusing, and now he really understands!”
The best part? Tommy’s teacher awarded him full credit for his answer. “He received an enthusiastic 100 percent, complete with a ‘wow!’,” Kelly shared with HuffPost. “His teacher is amazing! She fosters creativity and encourages thinking outside the box at every chance!” How fantastic is that?
Just last week, there was a viral worksheet that prompted an existential math crisis for students: Does 5+5+5 equal 15, or does 3+3+3+3+3 equal 15? There’s definitely a right answer, kids—so why the confusion? Poor students.
Major props to Tommy’s teacher for her sense of humor and appreciation for imaginative thought.
This article was originally published on November 6, 2015.
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In summary, this story highlights the unexpected joy that can arise from a child’s creative approach to learning. Tommy’s amusing answer not only earned him full credit but also showcased the importance of encouraging imaginative thinking in education.