Math Expectations for Rising 3rd Grade AAP Student

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I appreciate the previous poster's comments. But can someone chime in with empirical observations? My DD is heading into 3rd grade AAP but math is not her strongest suit. We are working through the 3rd grade math SOL book now. Any other recommendations for things to work on over the summer, math-wise?

Multiplication tables and basic math facts.
Lots of high-speed addition, subtraction, and try to get to higher speed multiplication facts. If you can get to division even better, but a strong grounding in multiplication will set up your 3rd grade AAP student well for the school year.

I have a 6th grader and 3rd grader (both in AAP) and they play the 24 Game a great deal. It's a fun way to practice basic math facts.

Thank you. Out of curiosity, are you using the 24 Game with cards, or are you using an app?

We are using the cards. Much more fun that way and I get to play, too! We learned after we started playing with the decks that the teachers at our school also use the 24 Game cards in the classroom.

[Anonymous]

there is a new math curriculum/text this year. None of the schools will be using everyday math anymore.

[Anonymous]

I am very glad to hear that the PP says that Every Day math is being shown the door.

This link sums up why Every Day math sucks better than I can...
http://militarymommy-amy.blogspot.com/2008/10/everyday-math-sucks.html

In the last school year (4th grade AAP), it seemed like my daughter would miss one or two problems each week in her homework and tests just because of poorly written questions like the ones in the link listed above. Some of the questions were just plain palm slappingly dumb. My guess is that the marginal students were all completely lost, that the solid math students were all pulling their hair out trying to follow what it was that they were supose to be learning and that the truely talented math types were all bored out of their minds. The last thing think that I think of when hearing the words "Everyday Math" is of being inspired.

[Anonymous]

16:43. Really? I thought the new textbooks were just for General Ed. That is interesting AAP is going with the same textbooks as General Ed.

[Anonymous]

OP here... thank you for you input. I have a much better idea of what to expect now.

I wish there wasn't such an emphasis on memorizing math facts. I understand it is important to know them but when I was in advanced studies as a kid they focused much more on the how and why than memorizing facts. There wasn't the constant pressure to know one concrete answer, instead we had to explain why answers made sense and apply them to everyday experiences. They also incorporated a lot of art and science into math. I developed a love and understanding of mathematical concepts that carried over into adulthood.
I could be wrong but it seems like back then teacher's saw gifted students as tomorrow's problem solvers and CEO's. There was a real emphasis on building confidence and encouraging thoughtful "out of the box" answers and unique ideas.

I hope I'm wrong but FFX AAP seems to be simply offering the curriculum at an accelerated rate. I wonder if that is going to foster the kind of growth these kids have the potential to achieve.

I disagree.

As a writer you need to know the alphabet and words in order to read and write creatively.

As a mathematician you know the rules (theorems) before you can solve any problems.

You cannot skip, avoid jump over, ignore these steps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

OP here... thank you for you input. I have a much better idea of what to expect now.



I hope I'm wrong but FFX AAP seems to be simply offering the curriculum at an accelerated rate. I wonder if that is going to foster the kind of growth these kids have the potential to achieve.

I disagree.

As a writer you need to know the alphabet and words in order to read and write creatively.

As a mathematician you know the rules (theorems) before you can solve any problems.

You cannot skip, avoid jump over, ignore these steps.

I didn't explain myself very well. I know you have to know the rules. I meant that once you know them spending time memorizing them and proving you know them a million times over with worksheet after worksheet gets boring. Many advanced learners who get to AAP by studying a lot truly thrive in an environment where rote memorization is encouraged. But often truly gifted kids (the ones with exceptional ability, not necessarily achievement) get bored with that and sometimes pull back because they aren't stimulated enough to put forth much effort.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:16:43. Really? I thought the new textbooks were just for General Ed. That is interesting AAP is going with the same textbooks as General Ed.

Everyday Math was not used in DC's AAP class in grade 3, 4, or 5.

[Anonymous]

Not all schools were using it. Everyday math was being used at Louise Archer, 3rd and 4th grade AAP.