whiterose
11-02-2005, 05:15 AM
Last year, my daughter earned D's in math all year through. It was the first time she had ever done that badly. I am not usually critical of her teachers, because they have a very tough job, but in hindsight, I do think her teacher last year could have done more to help her. She was getting ready to retire at the end of the school year and I think she had lost her focus.
My daughter and I agonized for so many nights over exponents. UGH. I didn't get it then and still don't. We both ended up in tears many evenings trying to figure out her math assignments. It was awful.
And, because I hate math, I have always told both my kids that if they really needed help, they would need to rely heavily upon their teacher and not hesitate to ask questions.
Well, she is now in middle school. And at open house, the math teacher gave all us parents who hate math a lecture. :D She told us that the children will adopt our philosophy about math. If we hate it, they will hate it, too. And, I know that she is absolutely right. I am setting a bad example to my daughter.
So, this teacher told us that she has "Math Night" for parents who are interested in getting a heads up on what the kids will be learning throughout the year in math so that we can better be able to help them when they are struggling at home.
A year ago, I would never have signed up for it. But, this teacher really made me see the light. And I do want to do all that I can to help my daughter succeed. I don't like seeing her cry over homework that she doesn't understand. It's just not fair when I can do more to help her.
So, last night was the first "Math Night". Once a month we'll go and get a quick overview of what they are getting ready to learn.
At first, I was overwhelmed. It was held at 6:30 right after I got off work. I hadn't eaten dinner and was so tired. But, I really worked hard on focusing on the math equations the teacher had us practice. And, soon, things I had learned 35 years ago were slowly coming back to me.
Algebra is taught so differently now than when I was learning. Interesting terms are now used. They use props more to help the kids learn. But, it's still algebra. So, I'm gaining confidence that I can help her more. And, at the same time, having the opportunity to brush up on my math skills that I haven't used in a very long time.
I think that at some point I'm going to send this teacher some flowers or something to thank her for taking extra time out of her evening to help the parents help their children. I've never known another teacher who was willing to do that.
And the best part is that my daughter was excited that I did this. And, especially since she reached the math answers much more quickly than me. :)
Just wanted to share this with you all. If you are struggling like I am to help your child in math, maybe suggest this to their teacher.
My daughter and I agonized for so many nights over exponents. UGH. I didn't get it then and still don't. We both ended up in tears many evenings trying to figure out her math assignments. It was awful.
And, because I hate math, I have always told both my kids that if they really needed help, they would need to rely heavily upon their teacher and not hesitate to ask questions.
Well, she is now in middle school. And at open house, the math teacher gave all us parents who hate math a lecture. :D She told us that the children will adopt our philosophy about math. If we hate it, they will hate it, too. And, I know that she is absolutely right. I am setting a bad example to my daughter.
So, this teacher told us that she has "Math Night" for parents who are interested in getting a heads up on what the kids will be learning throughout the year in math so that we can better be able to help them when they are struggling at home.
A year ago, I would never have signed up for it. But, this teacher really made me see the light. And I do want to do all that I can to help my daughter succeed. I don't like seeing her cry over homework that she doesn't understand. It's just not fair when I can do more to help her.
So, last night was the first "Math Night". Once a month we'll go and get a quick overview of what they are getting ready to learn.
At first, I was overwhelmed. It was held at 6:30 right after I got off work. I hadn't eaten dinner and was so tired. But, I really worked hard on focusing on the math equations the teacher had us practice. And, soon, things I had learned 35 years ago were slowly coming back to me.
Algebra is taught so differently now than when I was learning. Interesting terms are now used. They use props more to help the kids learn. But, it's still algebra. So, I'm gaining confidence that I can help her more. And, at the same time, having the opportunity to brush up on my math skills that I haven't used in a very long time.
I think that at some point I'm going to send this teacher some flowers or something to thank her for taking extra time out of her evening to help the parents help their children. I've never known another teacher who was willing to do that.
And the best part is that my daughter was excited that I did this. And, especially since she reached the math answers much more quickly than me. :)
Just wanted to share this with you all. If you are struggling like I am to help your child in math, maybe suggest this to their teacher.