Elementary Mathematics : Status Quo or Hell No?

Elementary mathematics classes and programs need to change. NEED to change.

It cannot continue to be the subject that’s written off in a teacher’s mind simply because they “don’t like math” or they “aren’t good at it”. These mentalities are not okay during such a crucial stage in the development of a young mind.

**Disclaimer: I do not intend to generalise all elementary school teachers.**

For far too long, it has been acceptable and (I would say) encouraged for the teaching of early year’s math to be an afterthought. It's not as important as other subjects…simply because there is an improperly trained educator thinking to themselves, “Oh the math won’t matter, they will pick it up next year.” The problem is, this thought becomes a chain. A chain created by teachers unwilling to put in the work when it matters, only because they aren’t a fan of the subject.

That’s the definition of a joke….and it’s just plain lazy. Not doing something because you’re not good at it? How about LEARN it.

Teachers are forced to prepare and deliver classes they aren’t familiar with all the time. Those teachers learn that subject inside and out so they can properly/confidently educate. They LIVE it. Why does math get treated any differently? Why is math the class that elementary teachers are okay with just printing off a few worksheets (they found on some generic website) and handing those out…with a quick video they found on Youtube to show them how to do them?

Alright, I’ve vented enough…for now (that felt really good, by the way). The issues are on the table. Now let’s get some solutions.

How can we help our elementary aged students better understand the most crucial subject in school? It truly is a team effort. The first, and most important part of that team, is the parents. Students need support from home as the number one driving force in the push to make math a priority and a success. I know this “new math” is a bit rough. Parents are having a tough time with the extensive language that’s been introduced to math, and I do not blame them for not being able to provide the help needed…I’m not a fan of the language either. However, I’m nor a parent or a family psychologist, so I’m not going into any more depth here, I’ll merely make note of it.

As for what I can have an educated opinion on, the second issue surrounding the perils of elementary school math – the teacher. The teacher, alone, presents us with a couple solutions for our issue. First, the preparedness of the teacher.

Teachers in elementary have a tough job, I’ll be the first to say it (that’s a topic for another day). They need to be (relative) experts on more subjects than I can count. This is a lot of work. They aren’t able to just focus on a subject and become the resident “guru” on that one specific subject. In addition to this, there is an insane amount of differentiation that is taking place to give each individual student their best shot at success

All this said, a shift needs to be made here…a rearrangement of priorities. Math needs to move up in the urgency list. It can no longer be sloughed off as the “tough” class to teach, or there not be a willingness to become more competent because math just isn’t their subject. I know it’s a lot to ask, but we need more from these teachers.

I’m genuine when I say it’s a lot to ask…it’s tough to get out of the routine you’ve known your whole career, but it’s safe to say that the routine isn’t one that’s working. This is where I present the second solution related to the teacher. Replacement.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for trying to train the current teachers to become what the students need, but in many cases, training isn’t necessarily going to sink in…and the “I hate math” mentality is to blame.

So, replacement (or proper initial training), becomes the best option. We need to consider placing resident math experts into elementary schools. Whether this be math experts to teach students, or math experts to teach teachers, we NEED math people involved in some aspect of our young students’ minds.

If we are able to get these experts in our elementary schools, we start to establish a positive math mentality and a positive math image from an early age, ridding students of the “I can’t” stigma surrounding mathematics. We achieve this because there is someone teaching the math who has a passion and deep understanding for the subject. That’s huge. HUUUUGE (Trump voice).

How do we start it? With a thought, that (hopefully) evolves into a conversation…from there, who knows. I think we all know where we would like it to go…in the direction that adds up to the math (and general) success of our students.

You got dis. I believe in you. You're all Rock-stars and Legends and I love you.

#mathematics #teaching #Math #teacher