Simply Unforgettable
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Simply Unforgettable
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Five plus two is seven. This example would be accepted as correct
in most first or second grade classrooms.
Who would not give a student full credit for this example?
Please notice that the seven is not clearly in the one's place or the ten's place. It is not enough for the student to give the correct “value.” The student must also understand “place.” Most students will probably have place value explained at some point along the way during the first two grades but, will it be enforced as the routine? Will the students enter third grade habitually lining up columns of numbers in the one's, ten's and hundred's places every time they do an example? They will if the have Semple Math. Because in Semple Math numbers have tails! Have you ever heard a third or fourth grade teacher comment that she has to "back up and reteach basic skills before she can teach the skills on grade level?" How many sub-skills are not taught in the early grades because they are just not essential for the task at hand. How many of these skipped sub-skills come back to haunt the teachers in the later grades as students continue to count on their fingers, fail to keep numbers in line, forget basic math facts and grow increasingly frustrated. What if the first through fifth grade teachers could meet and discuss these issues? What if they could come up with a detailed list of skills and concepts which must be taught in order for all the students to succeed in the higher grades? What if every teacher in every classroom in every grade was not simply teaching the required skills on grade level but, was actively preparing the students for skills they would see in the years to come? What if there is a math program that will do all of this for you? :-) Try us... |
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