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Is This Pushing too Hard

Posted October 5, 2015 - 1:36pm

I was just going over my 3rd graders papers he brought home from school and on the sheet titled Daily Common Core Review this was the first question.

Sandra counted the number of legs walking in the park. She counted a total of 7 people and some dogs, and 22 legs all together. How many dogs did she count?

Am I wrong to think this is a crazy question to give a 3rd grader who hasn't even learned to multiply yet?

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sunnykathleen

That does seem a bit much. Maybe they are thinking he can add by twos for the seven people and then have to subtract from 22 to see how many legs are left. If there was a drawing it would be easier to calculate. Seems like it would be for an older child who knows some division and multiplication.


Frugal Minded M...

I sent the teacher a note asking how kids were supposed to go at these problems and she basically said repeated adding.  I am just very frustrated because my 9 year old is really starting to hate school because this type of question is all he gets all day.  


justamom

It does seem like an obscure question. I've always thought word problems were the hardest.


Frugal Minded M...

Totally agree,but with the Common Core that's what the tests are made up off.  There are no basic, let's see and if you understand this type of question.


Hallz105

Word questions can be very confusing.  I think drawing it out would really help too — a visual....


justamom

Yes, I agree with drawing. Also some kind of physical demonstration helps a lot of kids.


jonbonjovious

I think it's a crazy question. When my daughter was in third grade her teacher told me that common core math was to teach a child multiple ways to solve a problem. I'm wondering if your son was suppose to draw arrays (or whatever they are called) to solve the answer? I think it's very confusing and often go on Facebook to have my friends (some whom are teachers) help us. Hang in there.


Frugal Minded M...

The teacher did reply to my email asking what strategies he was supposed to use and said repeated adding, drawing pictures and other things to answer it.  The frustrating thing is they have been studying mental math where they aren't supposed to write down anything and this comes up so he thinks he is supposed to do it all in his head.


jonbonjovious

It's a confusing world. I often ask, "How long of a line will it be if we have to wait at the grocery store for the cashier to draw arrays?" It's frustrating. My daughter had the same issue...she could get to the answer in moments, but would be docked because she wasn't "showing her work" in the artsy way common core requires. It seems a step backwards to me...she was showing her work in the traditional math world, but still being docked. I can't imagine a math competition these days...! :)


Frugal Minded M...

Have you seen the check someone filled out using common core math ideals.  It truley is crazy.


sunnykathleen

As a teacher I am frustrated when programs and curricula are mandated. While I see the point in making sure every child is taught what they need to be taught at each grade, some of it just doesn't make sense, it constricts good and creative teaching and doesn't make learning too fun.


jonbonjovious

I agree. My recollection growing up is everyone was taught one way...those who didn't understand or weren't "getting it" were pulled aside and shown another way that maybe clicked with them. Math doesn't change...it seems if you can arrive at the answer in traditional form, you are set...if not, let's explore the arrays and other ideas. I believe this is true in any subject. Creative Teaching needs to come back--life was so much more full back then!


Frugal Minded M...

I think my son's teacher is frustrated too.  I feel this common core stuff is trying to get everyone to learn the same way and that's not how it works.  If my oldest was in 3rd grade now, he would never have graduated because he has a writing learning disability and word problems killed him.


Mommy Ramblings

Did the teacher answer you?


Frugal Minded M...

Yes and it was a very politically correct answer.  The first sentence was I really don't know how to answer you.  The board approved the curriculum and this is a question straight from the book.  So I followed it up with what strategies should he be using and then got anyway he can including drawing pictures and repeated adding.  The problem is he has been working on mental math so he thinks he can't show any work.