Nieces + Schoolwork

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guest2013-1

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Both my nieces are in grade 2 and I've been helping them with homework the past couple of weeks. What's really bothering me is the fact that they're at multiplication now (the 2 times table) but can't properly do plus and minus yet.

This is supposed to be the basic building blocks of math and I would LOVE to sit in a class with the teacher to see WHAT EXACTLY she teaches these kids... because there's no methods explained to them apparently. It's just "here, do this" type stuff.

Obviously asking the little ones what teacher taught them they go "the 2 times table" yet it appears that they didn't show them any technique into understanding WHAT and WHY.

I showed them 3 different techniques to "master" the 2 times table already and during the day whenever one of them passes me in the kitchen or in the hall when I'm not working, I ask them a "2 times" question before they're allowed to pass me as an exercise to help them memorize it.

Whatever happened to the "2 times 2 is 4, 2 times 3 is 6..." drone type repeating in lower grades I was used to?

I'm also worried that the home work is WAY too little to actually help them achieve the goal of memorizing the times tables successfully. A series of 12 flashcard questions that takes an entire 3 minutes and they're out of there? Shouldn't it be revised at least 3 times?

I realize they're little and have short attention spans, but the 2 are very keen to learn. They don't see homework as drudge work and I was wondering is there anything I can do from my side to maybe step it up a notch?

I'm worried they're getting left behind. The one already has been moved to a smaller class for more attention but like I said, I'm not really sure WHAT these teachers are doing to get such dismal results.

I've also noticed that they guess more than they work out which makes me think that the interaction between teacher and child isn't really there. The "I don't know" after the guess-work is also very frustrating when I KNOW they have done it several times successfully before... Do the school just put the kids infront of a tv and make sure they don't burn down the place or something?

Anyway. Long (very long) story/rant short: Should I introduce a bit more homework to get them a bit more relaxed with numbers? (cause I think the guess-work/i dont know response is sometimes they forget or are too lazy to think. Once I tell them to take their time they usually get it right) They already love reading (hell, don't even get me started on what the teachers do with "klanke" and how absolutely terribly wrong they're teaching the kids these days)
 
the teachers getting R10 000pm salaries don't care anymore. For that sort of money I would'nt either. But hey.. its Free education. Not a coincidence therefore that the free things in this world are usually not worth much.
 
I also worry, I had good teachers through my years, lots of my friends though never.. A few still can't even add fractions!! (18+)
 
So you guys think I should take on a bit of additional work every afternoon with them?

Sometimes I feel like they should have been at a certain level already. Forgetting (of course) that it might actually be normal. But with the one going to "special" class recently and the other one already held back a grade, I feel the teachers are failing, not the children. Since these 2 are actually very intelligent and eager learners.
 
It all depends on the quality of the school and the syllabus they're using. My kid just started grade one just as they started teaching "Singapore maths". The syllabus seems completely different from how in was taught but then I need to adjust my expectations of where they should be to fit the newer style.

As for homework, right now they give her enough so that she's reinforcing what her group was taught while keeping her interested so she doesn't see it as a chore. In fact she can't wait to get stuck in as soon as she gets home.
 
SiriS said:
For a moment there I thought this was another news24 thread... :p
Click to expand...

Haha, he's got better stuff to do with his female family members than to teach them schoolwork.
 
Teachers move at a certain pace(I think)...if you want them to go to a smaller class with individual attention then a remedial school :D
 
Acid, my kids have already been through this, so I can't remember exactly when they started coming home with times tables. However, I don't think it matters HOW they learn their tables as long as they learn them. It does make it easier if they understand it though. If they haven't been taught it (which makes me wonder), then why not explain it to them? After all, it's not rocket science (that comes in Grade 7 :wtf:).

I was taught by a brilliant teacher, who had us thinking about our tables even in Std 9 - pretty much by shouting out an equation (6*7!) in the middle of class, and expecting us to shout the answer back without too much of a pause. You might want to try that - the kids think it's a fun game.
 
This new OBE (Outcomes based education) is a load of bull. Instead of learning 2 times 2 is 4, they get taught if you give 2 apples to your 2 nieces, how many apples did you give.
 
Just too many inexperienced teachers around unfortunately. This all relates to the good ones leaving. When the department can shuffle you from pillar to post and not pay you when they feel like it, you're not going to stick around. You hit on a sore point, but it's become imperative for parents to do homework with their kids these days. It's always been the right thing to do, it's now just that much more important.

Kudos for spotting it, but look for a master maths class nearby. Maths has become really important. Ask the school if you're not sure.
http://www.mastermaths.co.za/ Go to Franchising --> Franchises
 
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Linoman said:
What if the teachers are men? :erm:
Click to expand...

I am quoting from his OP:

This is supposed to be the basic building blocks of math and I would LOVE to sit in a class with the teacher to see WHAT EXACTLY she teaches these kids... because there's no methods explained to them apparently. It's just "here, do this" type stuff.
Click to expand...

:)
 
bwana said:
My kid just started grade one just as they started teaching "Singapore maths". The syllabus seems completely different from how in was taught but then I need to adjust my expectations of where they should be to fit the newer style.
Click to expand...

Do you know if this is implemented in all schools?
I know it comes from Singapore which has the highest math literacy rate among scholars and that countries like the USA adopted it a while back already so it could be a good thing.
 
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