|  Math
Facts - Where do they fit in building
a math foundation?
While math facts get alot of attention
from parents who seems to help drill
on math facts, math facts, math facts..., the reality is that the math facts are only one part, and not one of the most important ones, in building a solid math foundation.
Note, for those of you unfamiliar with
the terminology, there are the addition
math facts (3+5=8), subtraction math
facts (8-1=7), multiplication math facts
(3x7=21), and division math facts (25
/ 5 = 5). Math facts appear to many
parents to be the heart of math education
but in fact, math facts are the epitome
of the less-important rote learning
aspect in a subject (math) which can
only be mastered by acquiring basic
understandings, not by memorizing the
math facts or anything else.
A solid math foundation is build on
deep fundamental understandings. The
math facts are like the windows or other
important part of a structure. Math
facts are important but math facts are
not as important as the real foundation.
Below Time4Learning explains an example
of the proper sequence of skills to
developm to have a deep enough foundation
for success prior to spending time on
the math facts.
Let’s start with what appears
simple: “3 + 5 = 8”.
This math fact seems a good lesson
to teach once a child can count. But
the ability to appreciate “3 +
5 = 8” requires a set of understandings:
Quantity – realizing
that numbers of items can be counted
and that quantity is a common concept
whether we are counting fingers, dogs
or trees.
Number recognition –
knowing numbers by name, numeral, pictorial
representation, or a quantity of the
items
Number meaning –
resolving the confusion between numbers
referring to a quantity or to the position
in a sequence (cardinal vs ordinal numbers).
Operations –
Understanding that quantities can be
added and that this process can be depicted
with pictures, words, or numerals.
Only after mastering these foundation
concepts should a child begin learning
the math facts. Trying to teach math
facts prior to mastering these understandings
causes confusion and can create a sense
of being lost or of being weak at math.
How sad is it if the child develops
a poor self image or math anxiety because
of poor teaching!
It’s important to teach math
in a sequence that allows children to
progressively build understandings,
skills, and confidence. Quality teaching
and curriculum follows a quality sequence.
Time4Learning teaches a comprehensive
math program so that your child progresses
at a steady comfortable pace. Children
are placed in the sequence based on
their current skills. Math becomes fun.
Parents can participate and watch how
new concepts are introduced progressively
and mastered through practice. Let your
child start learning
today. Want to know more? Try the
demos of math
lessons.
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