Article - Maths is still maths
“I just can’t help Thomas with his reading! Can you believe he’s only in Year 2 and it’s too difficult for me?!”– If you heard this at the school gate you would probably be quite shocked. However, substitute the word ‘reading’ with ‘maths’ and this statement becomes much more acceptable. “Maths scares me”, “I was never good at maths”, “I’m not surprised she struggles with maths – she takes after me” – all examples of statements I’ve heard at the school gates. And my personal favourite – “Maths is so different now, why did they make it so complicated?”
The truth is that maths is exactly the same as it has always been but the way it is taught in schools today is different; different but not more complicated. Our generation learnt maths by rote. We were shown the method and told to practice it until we got it right. This is probably the reason that maths has got such as bad press with us because there wasn’t a backup plan if you didn’t get it. Today our children explore maths, they are provided many different ways to solve problems, and the wrong answer isn’t a big red X it is the basis for a discussion on other possibilities.
Some amongst us may think that it is a ‘fluffier’ methodology, but research has shown time and time again that we all learn in different ways and therefore it makes sense that we offer up more than just one way to do something. I liken it to a journey – you start at ‘Q’ the question and you get to ‘A’ the answer. We were told that we had to go the quickest route and use a car. Our children get the option of using whatever route they want and on whatever mode of transport they prefer. They might choose to go the scenic route on a scooter. It might make the journey slightly longer and seem more complicated but ultimately, they got to the same destination and will remember the experience.
The ‘new’ way maths is taught means that our children aren’t scared of maths. In fact, ask most 5 & 6 year olds and they will tell you that maths is fun. They have a much better understanding of numbers and by Year 4 will be able to do things in their heads that you or I would take to our smartphone to work out.
So how do we support our children with their maths homework? Firstly, try not to force your way on them - they might not be ready to drive yet! We need to open our minds to the alternatives, take time to understand the new methods and terminology, be prepared to take the scenic route… you never know, you might like it and begin to think that maths is fun too.
Karen McGuigan, aka The Maths Mum
The Maths Mum helps parents to help their children succeed in maths by providing insight and guidance on how maths is taught today to our children. Courses are run locally. Check out the website for more details
www.themathsmum.co.uk