Reply to ES math- when do kids learn multiplication/division

Forum Index » Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)

Reply to "ES math- when do kids learn multiplication/division"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Yes math moved very slowly until about 4th grade and then it picked up pace.
Arrays are stupid and more confusing for smart kids than actual multiplication. Many problems emphasizing how multiplication is repeated addition are confusing too.
Just teach your kid multiplication the old way and don’t make them complete the nonsense in their workbooks if they already know what they are doing. 
Move quickly to standard algorithm for all 4 math operations and to fractions, including operations with them, transforming irregular to regular and fractions to decimals and back. Learn place value and why in standard algorithm it is vital to put place values under each other. 
Kids don’t get enough time to understand it in 4th grade, so give yours a head start [/quote]

Do not listen to this advice. Students need to understand arrays in order to pass the tests. And guess what? We've evolved as humans! Some students learn better using arrays...some learn better using repeated addition...and yes, some learn better using good old fashioned multiplication. The point is, not everyone learns the same. Sorry you're stuck in a mentality where you think what you learned is better...great. But don't advise other people when you don't have a clue how it works. [/quote]

I saw it with my child too. Arrays were just busy work and a nuisance. And who are the tests for?! The school admin. Any teacher knows if a kid knows their stuff. If they can solve a multiplication problem they don’t need to use arrays 
I mean my kid did most of his work of course but it’s dumb and though I couldn’t openly agree with him, I do now.
Yes there are kids who need arrays and manipulatives and what not but i bet it’s not OP’s kid [/quote]

Nope. As a teacher, I need to know my student's are learning what I am teaching them in class. If the curriculum includes arrays, that student needs to learn arrays. The tests are for teachers in order to drive instruction. Just because your kid can multiply tell me they are paying attention or learning during my lessons if they don't know how to do what is asked of them. Additionally, math instruction is much more concept based now. Students are learning WHY math works, not just mindlessly memorizing it. Sorry, if your kid doesn't turn in a quiz or test that shows they know the material given to them in class, they aren't passing my class. [/quote]

When kids hit algebra they need to have facts memorized.   [/quote]

No one is disputing that. Kids need to have the facts memorized AND understand why those memorized facts make sense. Why does this seem to bother you so much? [/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics