My 10-year-old daughter and I have been at odds over her math. She has convinced herself that she hates it and has become extremely rebellious when it comes to doing the work the way it should be done. She is trying to take shortcuts that don’t result in the correct answer and insisting that the work can be done in her head. She doesn’t like to use more than one page of her notebook for the work and I can’t understand why this has to be an issue. She knows we have enough paper to last a lifetime. She is a very bright child who doesn’t have to put a lot of effort into learning her other subjects, but when it comes to math she has placed an emotional stumbling block in her own way. “It’s going to take all day to do it. I’m never going to need this. The book is wrong, I did it right. I hate math.” I have heard these statements too many times to count. Even when we play games or make it hands-on she has the same attitude. Being the independent person that she is, she doesn’t like me to help her when I see her having a problem. That’s when patience runs thin and emotions run high. Funny thing is that after she (and I) has had an emotional meltdown, we work together like business partners and the problems are done, understood and completed in no time at all. I am searching for a way to tame her temperament and to remove that awful ‘I hate math’ stumbling block. Any ideas?
I like your blog, it's very pretty. I came here from Tracy's blog, but realized I've been here before. But I don't think I left a comment. I guess that means I was a lurker, sorry. 🙂
My daughter reads your daughters blog. My daughter is bookworm12, Sarah.
And Sarah and I have trouble with math too. We have the major meltdowns also. I wish I had some great answer that's working for us, but I don't. I am thinking of trying Teaching Textbooks this fall. It's all computer based, which she loves, and I'm hoping that will help.
It's very nice meeting you. 🙂
JoAnn
I struggle teaching my son math too. Sometimes my hubby can explain things better. Have you tried that?
Ps. I'm tagging you. Write 8 things about you that we don't know, then tag 8 more people. I'll be curious to see what you post. 🙂
just stumbled onto your blog…and well,I hate math too…and I'm stubborn and prideful…and I'm a 33 year old homeschool mom! I went through most of my life trying to figure out how to understand math enough to get through it and frustrated. I know this is probably a somewhat familiar story, but seriously I hated math. and I still struggle to do simple facts. I really think my teachers only passed me because they didn't know what to do with me. I realize now that I am an exceptionally exaggerated right brain who will never truly get math, even though I get now there are many wonderful uses for it in life. My son…is ten and studying physics and higher mathmatics. I am somewhat of a classical homeschooler, so I am NOT against training formally in all areas whether fun or not! However, my dh does math and we use Math U See with video. And that's o.k.– I don't usually have any suggestions worth while as I am learning everyday, and I am sure someone will post a great idea for you…in the mean time, this being close to my heart…relax, and maybe focus on helping her to understand how far in life she can go when she is teachable and full of humility. Something I have and still am learning through great hardship! (really, if you knew me you'd say I was the most stubborn person ever) 🙂 Even if she never enjoys math, maybe at least she'll grow in character and learn a little!
In His bond,
psalm518