Submitted by Mary (not verified) on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 10:59am.
Hey -- I have your first math book, "Math Doesn't Suck," and love it! It is straight out of middle school curriculum. I have taught 7th grade math the past 2 years and am moving to 6th grade this year. You're so right about girls not having confidence in math -- but so many of the boys are also the same way! Why do you think it is not socially acceptable to not be able to read, yet it IS socially acceptable to not be able to do math, or to not like math??? I took an informal poll of all my classes last year on a whim and asked 2 questions: First, who has ever had anyone (parent, sibling, teacher, friend, anyone) in their life tell them that math sucks, math is hard, and "I don't like math" ??? All of them in each class raised their hands. Second question: Who has ever had a teacher even once tell them that math is hard, math is a challenge, I don't like math, we'll get through this fast because it's hard and I don't like math either.... ??? ALL of them raised their hands on this one also! I'm appalled that a teacher of a non-math class (or ANY class) would tell a student this! I have a mission this year, self-imposed, to "brainwash" my students and convince them that math is fun by showing them that it is everywhere and that it really IS fun!!! The hardest part of my job is to do this, and to raise the self-confidence in my students in math, and in their lives ultimately. Here's my challenge to you: get your certification and teach math for a year or two, not as a sub or for a week, but for a whole year or two at least.... It's a bit different seeing it day-to-day. Now THAT would be another great book!
(October 12, 2009) Dr. Cara Natterson, Dangerous or Safe: Which Foods, Medicines, and Chemicals Really Put Your Kids at Risk Zora O'Neill, Forking Fantastic!
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Math in middle schools
Hey -- I have your first math book, "Math Doesn't Suck," and love it! It is straight out of middle school curriculum. I have taught 7th grade math the past 2 years and am moving to 6th grade this year. You're so right about girls not having confidence in math -- but so many of the boys are also the same way! Why do you think it is not socially acceptable to not be able to read, yet it IS socially acceptable to not be able to do math, or to not like math??? I took an informal poll of all my classes last year on a whim and asked 2 questions: First, who has ever had anyone (parent, sibling, teacher, friend, anyone) in their life tell them that math sucks, math is hard, and "I don't like math" ??? All of them in each class raised their hands. Second question: Who has ever had a teacher even once tell them that math is hard, math is a challenge, I don't like math, we'll get through this fast because it's hard and I don't like math either.... ??? ALL of them raised their hands on this one also! I'm appalled that a teacher of a non-math class (or ANY class) would tell a student this! I have a mission this year, self-imposed, to "brainwash" my students and convince them that math is fun by showing them that it is everywhere and that it really IS fun!!! The hardest part of my job is to do this, and to raise the self-confidence in my students in math, and in their lives ultimately. Here's my challenge to you: get your certification and teach math for a year or two, not as a sub or for a week, but for a whole year or two at least.... It's a bit different seeing it day-to-day. Now THAT would be another great book!
Best wishes,
Mary Wilson.
p.s..... just remember: it all adds up!