Early math the right way

A conversation between a colleague and Shannah B Godfrey:

Dear Shannah,

Thanks for your email.

Your credentials are fascinating.

I am currently planning to develop a new math program for young children.

The age group I am targeting is 4 to 12.

I would like to teach mathematics concepts, as opposed to arithmetic.

I would like to ignite children's love of math, to show them the beauty in math.

Would you be willing to participate in this project? I would love to hear your thought about this.

All the best,

Esther

Hello, Esther,

Truthfully, I am a back-to-the-basics mathematician. I have little respect for all the "reform" mathematics going on, and view it as the math equivalent of the whole-language fiasco in reading.

I use Saxon math, especially the older versions, as well as Singapore math. I also believe in teaching children to see patterns, as that helps in math reasoning. Music is another great help to math and reading.

Cuisenaire rods are a must for every home and classroom!

Anything that strengthens understanding of time and spatial patterns is good. I also use colors with numbers, as a way to help children remember the number patterns in addition and multiplication.

But I do not believe in child-led discovery. If each generation had to reinvent the wheel, there would be no progress. I believe in teacher-oriented learning, with repetition, repetition, repetition!

And never let a little one use a calculator. Understanding of numbers and their values, adding patterns and multiplication patterns, are so important for fractions and algebra later. The foundation must be set in the younger years.

If you have a way to make classical mathematics more fun and understandable, I'm all in. But if it's more of the abstract garbage being thrown at kids today, count me out. If I can help, I'll be glad to do it.

Regards,

Shannah

http://thegodfreymethod.com

The best reading program out there

I recently received this email from a proactive mom. Enjoy!

Hi,

“We just started the alphabet cards and they are soooooo good! It makes the sounds and I am following the instructions. It has helped my 7 year old say words in the books he could not sound out before in just a few days!”

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Sincerely, 

Miss Donny T. Neuman - Jul 17, 2012

http://thegodfreymethod.com