Day 483

Three days of math class, three days of problems taking 90 minutes. Here's today's 90 minute math problem:

26 x 18 =

I think I don't belong in this class - I keep thinking don't make me do another number line or boxes or "decompose" or "compensate" the numbers. (Both words I never heard being related to math before taking this class.) Let's get this problem solved and move on.

Some folks seem to enjoy the class. I'm sure a lot has to do with the fact they'll have to turn around and teach these strategies and models to their students, but for me with no classroom and no reason to be all that interested it makes for a pretty long day.

I'm not the only one with a long day. One minute the cat has claimed the coffee table and the next she's parked herself under it. What a cat.

Day 482

84 + 38=
107 - 88 =
62 - 19 =

If you had to guess, how long do you think we spent in class today solving these three math problems?
a. 1 minute
b. 5 minutes
c. 10 minutes
d. 90 minutes

D. 90 minutes.

With today's new type of math we have to show kids lots of different ways to solve math problems and the conventional way of lining them up and carrying/borrowing isn't one of them. What should take no more than a minute now takes a long time - and a lot of explanation - and lots of paper and lots of lines and boxes and arrows.

Between that drain brain of a day and another two (yep, 2) work-related phone calls, I took a nap tonight after dinner. Just like last night.

The only thing that saved me today was getting to see this out my bedroom window.