Have you seen this math worksheet? Can you pinpoint why the answers were labeled “incorrect”? The image has gone viral, amassing over three million views in just a week, and the reaction has been a resounding “Huh?”
Let’s start with the first problem: 5×3 equals 15, so where’s the confusion? My non-Common Core trained mind interprets this as “five, three times.” Apparently, I was supposed to say “five times three,” which is just as valid. The issue is, as a parent who struggles with math, I can’t understand why it matters whether it’s five, three times or three, five times — both paths lead to the same result. What gives, math?
Common Core is making me feel less than intelligent, and I acknowledge that this is why I’m resistant to it. If it somehow makes my child excel in mathematics, then I will gladly keep my opinions to myself.
But it’s not just math that’s challenging. I never expected to have difficulties explaining basic shapes to my kindergartener. Yet, when my son brought home a shape recognition worksheet, I found myself stumped. Yes, by a kindergartener’s homework. It wasn’t my finest hour.
Here’s the worksheet:
- In the first two rows: No issues. Triangles and cylinders — easy!
- Third row: One shape has a face, so clearly that’s distinct. But one isn’t a complete circle, so maybe that one’s the odd one out? It’s a shape exercise, so I should probably guide my child to ignore the distracting face.
- Fourth row: Two squares, which makes me think the rectangle is different. But the last square has rounded edges, so maybe that’s… OH, F#&@!
- Fifth row: I need a drink.
I freely admit that I’ve been out of school for quite some time and was hoping to simply teach my child what I learned: if it looks like a square, it’s a square. Memorize your multiplication tables. No one warned me math would be part of this parenting journey. My mother, who learned English as my older sister was learning, wasn’t equipped to help with math — nor was she expected to. Perhaps the lesson here is that we should step back and let our children learn as they are being taught? Ugh, don’t quote me on that. I truly don’t have the answers regarding Common Core, or if it’s even problematic. I just wish to assist my kindergartener’s homework with some assurance that my answers are correct.
I’ll be back shortly — off to study my four-year-old’s worksheets.
This article was originally published on October 28, 2015.
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Summary:
This article explores the confusion many parents face with Common Core worksheets, specifically in math and basic shape recognition. The author expresses frustration over the complexities introduced by new educational standards and reflects on the challenges of helping children with homework.
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Common Core, parenting, math worksheets, education, shape recognition, homework help, parental challenges