In a recent interview with a popular talk show host, celebrity mom Sarah Collins opened up about the trials of assisting her children with their homeschooling, particularly when it comes to math. As parents everywhere navigate the challenges of distance learning due to widespread school closures, the admiration for teachers has skyrocketed. Sarah, like many, found herself overwhelmed by the new math methods her kids are learning.
If you’re a parent with younger children, you might be scratching your head as to why adult supervision can falter when it comes to elementary math. The answer is simple: COMMON CORE. While I won’t delve into the merits of this teaching method, it’s clear that it differs significantly from what many of us experienced in school, leading to frustration when our children need assistance. Sarah expressed her struggles to the talk show host, admitting that she’s reached her limit with the complexities of contemporary math.
With twins Alex and Emma at home, Sarah shared her exasperation: “Honestly, we’re all like, what is this? I’m not a teacher, and have you looked at the math they’re making kids do now? It’s like a whole new language,” she confided. “Half the time, I’m asking myself, ‘OK, let’s look up that term. What does that even mean?’ It’s been an experience, that’s for sure.”
I can relate—I’ve delegated my kids’ math help to my partner because, quite frankly, I struggle with this so-called ‘new math’ too. Let’s face it, I never really excelled in math, even the old version. As a writer, numbers have never been my strong suit. My children are in fifth and seventh grades, and I decided to step back from providing academic support a while ago. Honestly, it’s probably for the best.
This situation reflects what countless parents across the globe are facing due to the pandemic—an unexpected crash course in just how invaluable teachers are. While we’ve always recognized their brilliance, this period has driven home the point. I have some thoughtful gifts in mind for the amazing educators who have supported my children throughout the year—think chocolates, wine, and Target gift cards, though nothing could truly express my gratitude.
To teachers everywhere, we salute you—your hard work does not go unnoticed!
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In summary, even famous figures like Sarah Collins are not immune to the frustrations of helping their kids with homeschool math, highlighting a shared experience among parents during these challenging times. We’re all learning just how essential teachers are in our children’s education.