Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Everyday Math

When we considered Moving the Kids to Mexico, our first responsibility was to find a school that would provide them a safe, happy and academically challenging environment. Fortunately, we believe that our kids are in a school that meets this criteria and provides many other benefits as well.

One area that we have decided to supplement is mathematics. But Why?
  • We want Oldest Son to be on track in concrete math skills as he enters USA 4th grade
  • Both Oldest Son and Youngest Son have an interest and natural aptitude for math
  • It is easy

We have purchased the 3rd Grade Everyday Math books. Oldest Son can easily complete the workbook with very little outside help.

Oldest Son actually enjoys doing the math so there is no parental hassle factor. We are encouraging him to make his way through the workbook at his own pace - no pressure. So far so good.

And, of course, we have Everyday Math on order for Youngest Son too.

P.S. In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention both Husband and I are "math people" - between the two of us some of our credentials include an MS in Mathematics, Enrolled Actuary, High School Math Teacher ... so the kids are doomed to have at least part of our geekiness ...

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm continuously amazed at how you are able to juggle travel (is THIS when you write your blog content????); work; playing catch up with hubby and the kids; maintaining your tether to your friends at home; defining a custom curriculum for the boys; photography and the upload process; domestic tasks and probably a dozen other daily goings on that I'm not thinking of right now. Wonderful journey to read.

Frankly Ronda said...

A - oh I wish I felt amazing. Frankly I feel like I am 1/2 there in all parts of my life ... the travel has created an unexpected set of challenges. I do try to maximize moment at a time which keeps me sane. Your words of encouragement help tremendously - thanks so much.

Actually most of my posts are done on weekends but sometimes I fit some in during week while in USA. The blog has been a nice creative outlet and I am committed to documenting this year. I expect to be able to print or download the blog but have no idea how yet - manana!

Mike Nickell and Cynthia Johnson said...

Hi Mommy...second on that Anonymous comment - how DO you do it? And I'm just catching up on your blog - "More Spanish Milestones" caught my eye. As an English teacher in Mexico, I know exactly how you feel to hear another language used when it is completely unexpected. Bravo.

Steve Cotton said...

Let me chime in with more praise. I am trying to wind down my activities as I make my plans for my May move. But I seem busier every day. The fact that you can do what you do -- all four of you -- warms my heart.

Anonymous said...

where are u in Mex? I will come back to read in a moment...just moved back with my kids from Mexico. WE are in Florida now...dying to get back. Email me sometime? Claudinedenava@yahoo.com. Have a class to go teach so will check back later.Nice meeting you!
Claudine

Theresa in Mèrida said...

I think Mexico does a pretty good job on math but falls down in literature, but it could be the curriculum is different where you live. Husband and I were talking about math yesterday and we came to the conclusion that math is fun but people are convinced it isn't so they are afraid. I remember thinking that word problems were just riddles about math and lots of fun to solve.
You probably have very high expectations for yourself and that is why you feel half there. But really I get the impression that you are present 100% when you are with your family and that is what is important!
regards,
Theresa

ps what happened to the volcano kit? I always wanted one of those!

Unknown said...

I concur that you should supplement your math curriculum I teach math and English at a local school in Tegucigalpa. I commented to one of my sixth graders today that many parts of her curriculum are taught in the fourth grade in Louisiana. And Louisiana? We are at the bottom of the US rankings.

Frankly Ronda said...

C - I always look forward to your posts on your classroom since you teach same age as my Youngest!

S - I have finally accepted busy as the norm and just enjoy when busy slows down

A/C - will email ...

T - the Math is certainly okay at kids school but just want to make sure not behind when go back since there will be catch up in other areas

L - Thanks for the opinion - I appreciate the expertise!

Frankly Ronda said...

PS T - Watch for Part 2 post for volcano - we had to let dry before Eruption!