Do You Want Your Kids to Understand Math or Just Appear That They Do?
{Audio Voiceover for paid members includes text narration and commentary not included in the article)
I spent last week looking for a new math program for my oldest. I noticed many math programs only offered procedural math which is a big RED FLAG. I didn't know how many parents knew this so I thought I'd pass some knowledge along.
Procedural math is following steps to complete math problems. It looks like kids can do math, when in reality they can just follow instructions.
Procedural math is popular because it's faster to teach BUT has a BIG drawback. If students memorize how to do math problems, they fall apart when they hit higher-order, abstract math as they have no understanding of what the math means.
It's like thinking you can drive because you memorized what traffic signs mean.
I remember when this happened to me. I was an A+ student my whole life & then suddenly I had no idea what the instructors were talking about. I pulled through but to this day, I feel like I don't fully understand what all the math meant... like what were even doing in calculus?
Contrast this with my husband. He can explain advanced statistics with drawings & analogies. It impresses me every time & is why he is so good at his job as a data scientist.
How can he do this? Because he learned CONCEPTUAL math.
Conceptual math is teaching the reasons behind why math works the way it does. What does 3x4 mean? What does an integral mean?
With conceptual knowledge, you can tackle problems that you've never seen before because you understand what math does.
Like all things done well, it takes longer for kids to progress using conceptual math BUT they will have a far superior understanding compared to their peers.
It’s important to note that math facts (e.g., times tables) should be learned both procedurally and conceptually. Memorization of math facts (as we discussed last week) give the brain more working memory to do advanced math. However, if your your kid know their times tables but don’t know what they mean, then they will fail advanced math.
So, the choice is yours. Do you want your kids to understand math or just appear that they do?
Four Things to Look for in a Conceptual Math Program
If you are homeschooling, MathUsee, Math Mammoth, Good & Beautiful, & Khan Academy are all conceptual math programs but this is not an exhaustive list. If you want to see if your math program is conceptual, check out the below. If your child is at a school (or you are school shopping) ask teachers and principles these questions.
Does the math program emphasizes the "why" behind math concepts. K-2 conceptual programs will make high use of manipulatives and visual aids to help students grasp abstract concepts.
Does the math program use real-world examples and application to ground math into reality? Finding the perimeter of a square doesn’t mean anything but finding the amount of wood you need to fence your yard - that’s practical. This create s conceptual learning by allowing kids to understand the why.
Does the program have strong teacher/parent support direct instruction. Memorizing problem solutions (procedural math) requires less direct instruction. A high quality conceptual math curriculum will include detailed lesson plans, assessments, and resources for teachers or parents.
Finally, does the math program balance procedural pieces such as math facts with conceptual math
Math is essential to nearly every career. Even if you are just a writer, you must manage accounts and your own business. Ensure your kids fully understand the why behind math.
~With love, Claire Honeycutt (aka HippyMomPhD)
Consider joining 𝓒𝖑𝖆𝖗𝖎𝖋𝖎𝓔𝒅 and experience the magic of joyful learning for yourself. Paid members receive Exclusive Education Strategies, Thriving Learner Workshops, Masterpiece Lesson Plans, 24/7 Community & Science of Kids. Can’t wait to meet you!♥️
