Yippee Math!!

So why does Math have such a bad reputation?  We use it daily, it's necessary and can be challenging.  I hated it when parents would excuse their child's lack of effort and interest- to their own lack years earlier.  So sometimes, it takes a while - keep trying!  What better life lesson!

Recently two ventures are bringing Math to the forefront of parents' attention.  And teachers can use this information too.  First is Bedtime Math. (http://bedtimemath.org/)  Designed by a parent in New Jersey, it's a set of math problems for young children to solve before bed.  The topic is the same for each level (presently pre-K-over 2nd grade) but the problems increase in difficulty.  This makes it easy for parents to start with the easiest - stop if it gets difficult, or keep progressing.  Plans are under way to make higher levels.  It's fun, easy and parents could print them out or make a file on their ipad to use while waiting in a restaurant, in the care etc.

The other new Math project is MoMath or the Museum of Mathematics in Madison Square Park in NYC.  (http://momath.org)  A museum of fun, hands-on activities which explore the applications of math for little ones!  It is on my list for a trip to Manhattan.  If kids see how math is used, maybe it will entice them to delve into its offerings!

After all, the USA is 24th, 24th!!! in math standings in the world.  Come on!  What's up with that.  Other countries are expecting more from their students and getting it.  Stop cutting our children off - oh that's hard, that's difficult, I never understood that.  Let them grow mathematically!!  They can do it!