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

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][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]

It was a huge waste of time and made mine misreable and hating math. Once they started algebra they never used it.  They need to teach caches and the basics.  We had to do all that at home. [/quote]

High school algebra teacher here. You’re wrong. Ever since they implemented a more conceptual understanding in the lower grades,[b] students are coming to me with a much stronger foundation and depth of understanding than they ever were before[/b]. Just because you don’t get it, doesn’t mean it’s not working. You sound very stuck in your ways. You’re not in the classroom. You’re not teaching mathematics. You’re basing this off your child’s singular experience while the rest of us are looking at the big picture. It’s a shame that intellectual curiosity seems to be a rarity these days. Your attitude and temperament are alarmingly immature for a grown adult.[/quote]

Thanks for clearing that up![/quote]

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