Organization of Each Post

Each future blog post will be organized like this one.

My opinion of the day

Each opinion will be on a topic of interest regarding teaching, learning, coaching, or mathematics. It may or may not relate directly to the lesson of the day. Here’s one to get us started.

Opinion: Why math?

Mathematics is a part of our daily lives and a great many of our activities have a math component, from accounting to investment, from chemistry to medicine, from physics to construction, and from music to sports.  And while calculators and computer programs are widely available, understanding when and how to apply which tools to which situation will always be fundamental. Math skills are valuable throughout our lives regardless of our career choices.  Conveying that concept to our children is the least we can do for them.

The so-called “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculum is math-based and can provide a pathway to college and to evolving career opportunities; we parents owe it to our children to keep the door to STEM training open for them. The argument that we should not allow math and science to supplant the “liberal arts” is not an argument against STEM studies. While economics, languages, history, literature, and participation in the arts and athletics are important, absent STEM training, these areas generally provide rewarding career opportunities for only a fortunate few. In light of the upheaval in our economy brought on by COVID-19 and the fear it has generated, chances are that problem-solving skills, especially in the STEM domains, will remain in high demand. Moreover, math skills may can enhance our understanding of music, art, athletics, linguistics, economics, and other areas not normally associated with STEM.

The CCM lesson of the day

Each lesson will be about Common Core Mathematics (CCM) Standards. The lessons will start with CCM Practices in the next several posts and then move to K-Level standards and continue through Grade 12 (if all goes according to plan) in subsequent posts. If you intend to follow this blog, I suggest that you take these lessons in the order posted for two reasons: 1) each CCM standard is built on previous standards, so even though the level might be lower than the current level of your child, the standard might help you both to strengthen your skills at higher levels; and 2) I will add observations about each standard that might you might find useful.

Definitions, relevant to the CCM lesson of the day

Definitions are critical to mathematics, from K-Level to graduate-level math in college. In order to understand math, CCM or otherwise, understanding the English-language (in English-speaking countries) definitions is essential. The definitions will be accumulated in the glossary section of this blog in alphabetical order for easy reference.

Applications and examples

These will relate to the lesson of the day and the definitions.