Comments for sursumcorda.salemsattic.com/post/math-arithmetic-and-the-khan-academy

Comment #2577

2011-10-01T19:34:44Z

"So how do we do the same for math?"

This is where our math curriculum shines, I believe. (Right Start Mathematics) Their answer is, "games". They say games should be played a lot before giving the worksheets. When you visit, Mom, we will play Corners (and others!) with you. It is fun for kids and grown-ups alike.

So today in school, I gave Jonathan a worksheet, and when he completed the twenty questions, he said, "That was sort of fun." !! Can I tell you how amazing that was for me to hear? A month ago, a year ago, he would have whined for two hours about having to do five problems, let alone twenty.

Comment #2576

2011-09-30T09:41:47Z

Very true. And music instruction used to be a lot like that. I believe this was Shinichi Suzuki's main point: to get kids playing real music that they can relate to because they've heard it many, many times. It may not always work out like that with Suzuki teachers who either de-emphasize listening or over-emphasize technique for its own sake, but I think the idea is sound.

So how do we do the same for math?

Comment #2575

2011-09-30T06:03:32Z

I agree with your analogy, but both relationships are more complicated than many would want to believe. Surely you're more likely to put up with scales (and actually practice them effectively) if you know, love, and wish to play a Bach concerto. Does it makes sense to lock someone up and make him play scales when he has no idea what music is?