Understanding the Shift in Math Education is Vital for Parents
Kelly Green, with her extensive background in education, shares her passion for transforming math instruction. She highlights that today’s math classrooms are shifting towards student-centered learning, where discourse and problem-solving are prioritized over rote memorization. This shift can be confusing for parents who remember learning math differently. Kelly stresses the importance of parents understanding these changes to avoid a disconnect that can lead to frustration and hinder their child’s learning.
From Traditional to Transformative: How Parents Can Support Modern Math Education
As a parent, navigating the evolving world of math education can feel daunting, especially when the methods and strategies taught today differ significantly from those of the past. Kelly Green, a seasoned educator and consultant, emphasizes the crucial role parents play in supporting their children’s mathematical journey. While schools are working to modernize math classrooms, it’s essential for parents to understand and engage with these changes to ensure their child’s success. With the right tools and knowledge, you can help bridge the gap between home and school, fostering a deeper conceptual understanding of mathematics for your child.
Parents Can Facilitate Conversations About Math at Home
Creating a safe and supportive environment where children can discuss math is crucial. Kelly advocates for parents to engage in conversations about math with their children, emphasizing that mistakes are opportunities for growth. By fostering an atmosphere of trust and open dialogue, parents can help their children develop confidence in their mathematical abilities. This approach aligns with the modern classroom’s focus on discourse and understanding over speed and correctness.
Author Quote
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I care about how you got to that answer and I care about your explanation about the work that you did.
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Utilizing Available Resources Can Help Parents Support Their Children
Kelly suggests that parents leverage available resources to better understand the new math curriculum. Many curricular programs offer videos and letters for parents, which can provide insights into the strategies being taught. Additionally, she recommends attending math nights hosted by schools or districts, which can offer a platform for learning and asking questions. These resources can empower parents to support their children effectively at home.
Key Takeaways:
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Understanding Modern Math Education: It's crucial for parents to understand that current mathematics education focuses on deep conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills rather than rote memorization. This shift is designed to prepare children for a future where technology will be integral, and the ability to apply mathematical concepts in real-world scenarios is essential.
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Supporting Math at Home: Parents can support their children's learning by engaging in everyday conversations about math and encouraging them to explain their thinking and strategies. This approach helps children connect classroom learning with real-life applications, fostering a deeper understanding of mathematics beyond traditional worksheets and flashcards.
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Communicating with Educators: Parents should maintain open communication with their child's teachers to understand the instructional methods and strategies being used in the classroom. This can help bridge the gap between home and school, ensuring that parents can reinforce the same concepts and approaches at home, even if they differ from their own past educational experiences.
Parents Can Reinforce Number Sense and Problem Solving Skills at Home
At home, parents can focus on reinforcing Number Sense and Problem Solving Skills. Kelly shares how she engages her own children in math-related activities throughout the day, using everyday situations to discuss mathematical concepts. By doing so, she helps them see math as an integral part of their world, not just a subject confined to the classroom. Parents can adopt similar strategies, encouraging their children to explore and understand math in real-life contexts.
Author Quote
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Math is not separate from okay, I have math class and then there’s math in my world, right? It is all very very connected.
”Overcoming the Challenge of Algorithmic Learning to Foster Deeper Understanding
One specific challenge highlighted by Kelly is the premature introduction of the standard algorithm, which can lead to procedural learning without deep conceptual understanding. As a parent, your role is pivotal in overcoming this challenge. By engaging with your child’s learning process and encouraging them to explore different strategies, you can help them develop a robust understanding of math. This approach not only enhances their Number Sense and Problem Solving Skills but also prepares them for a future where adaptability and critical thinking are essential.
Empower your child’s mathematical journey with the Brain Bloom System, designed to foster a deep conceptual understanding of math through engaging, real-life contexts.
