This is a generalisation. My own primary school teachers were amazing and they got paid the same. I also know people studying to become primary school teachers who will also get this pay and they most definitely do care. Lots of teachers are in it for the love of the job, obviously in worse schools (which are the overwhelming majority) many teachers don't care as you say, but it depends completely on which school AcidRazor's niece's attend.
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Nieces + Schoolwork
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This is a generalisation. My own primary school teachers were amazing and they got paid the same. I also know people studying to become primary school teachers who will also get this pay and they most definitely do care. Lots of teachers are in it for the love of the job, obviously in worse schools (which are the overwhelming majority) many teachers don't care as you say, but it depends completely on which school AcidRazor's niece's attend.
Mind if I ask which school they go to? As far as I remember you live in Plumstead/Southfield and I went to Plumstead Prep myself, great school. I know these days it hardly has any students who are actually from Plumstead, but I hear it's still good.
I remember some of how the teachers taught us multiplication there, we'd have to go up in small groups of +-5 and start to learn the times table, most of it was memorising though. It's one of my most vivid memories for some reason.. but now I can't really remember what they told us at all. I think making a game out of shouting random times tables for the kids is a great idea, you're only helping at the moment.
I remember some of how the teachers taught us multiplication there, we'd have to go up in small groups of +-5 and start to learn the times table, most of it was memorising though. It's one of my most vivid memories for some reason.. but now I can't really remember what they told us at all. I think making a game out of shouting random times tables for the kids is a great idea, you're only helping at the moment.
RustyPrincess
Expert Member
I remember my mom drilling my times tables into me on the way to school. My Std 2 teacher would have small tests every single day for them. I think repetition is key. 
JerryMungo
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That reminds me of Ramajhal who learned the times table with a little song...
1 times 1 is 1
2 times 1 is 2
then when he got to the three times table he began
3 times 1 is 3...
3 times 2 is...... 6....
3 times 3 is................
l....la la la la laaaaa...
la la la la laaaaaa....
Then when he got a swift klap from the teacher he begged "Please mam, I remembered the tune but forgot the words!"
1 times 1 is 1
2 times 1 is 2
then when he got to the three times table he began
3 times 1 is 3...
3 times 2 is...... 6....
3 times 3 is................
l....la la la la laaaaa...
la la la la laaaaaa....
Then when he got a swift klap from the teacher he begged "Please mam, I remembered the tune but forgot the words!"
guest2013-1
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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.
The problem, I think, is that they haven't properly done plus and minus yet... and then the teacher expects them to conquer the times tables with little to no homework (they get homework sheets of what they have to do everyday) and they don't even DO maths everyday.
Compounded to the fact that they feel compelled to give quick answers they start to GUESS. Shouting out any answer they think of without really thinking of the question and solving the equation. I've slowed down home work (counting in 2's/3's/5's and the 2x table etc) and they excel once they have enough time to think what it is.
I showed them 2 methods of how to do the 2x table quite easily and then checked to see which one of those they felt most comfortable using and keep showing them that one if they struggle in a way to build confidence since I reckon a lack of confidence is what is fueling their frustration as well.
I also started asking them "6 x 2" instead of "2 x 6" to get them used to the switching of the 2 (because any time-stable HAS the same numbers at any point in time)
I get frustrated when they don't want to try. Or get all bitchy/moany/whiny when it comes time to do it EVEN THOUGH they practiced it perfectly a moment ago. Then saying "I don't know" or "It's too hard".
I lost my cool today when the eldest said she didn't want to count in 3's in-front of me or her mom because both of us yell at her. Her mom MAYBE yes. Because her guessing numbers and saying "I don't know" frustrates the **** out of her. But I've been calm about everything. Telling her to take her time. Helping her all the way. Never raising my voice or forcing an answer on her EXCEPT when it's very apparent that she's trying to be funny and sidestep homework entirely.
I'm highly pissed off at her comment that I always yell at her. And the fact that the teacher wants them to be as fast as possible without going through the BASICS of plus and minus?!?! WTF
If the kids could properly count to 100 and back, and do plus sums between 1 and 100 without any issues then multiplication would have been a breeze. I'm trying to get them into a better school but the one I want has already been booked full for 2012 onwards.
Also, just a note to the idiots replying to this thread. **** off and die. I hope you get aids.
guest2013-1
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Nope, I'm in Paarl. They're at a "decent" school. But compared to what I've been taught I really have to wonder. It was "drilled" into us daily where the whole class repeated it like little drones.
I remember my mom drilling my times tables into me on the way to school. My Std 2 teacher would have small tests every single day for them. I think repetition is key.
I agree. That's why I'm asking them the 2x table on random times of the day and switching it up. As well as basic counting/plus sums.
JerryMungo
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More neices and nephews need uncles like you Acid.
I agree that it's too early to be learning multiplication - but that's just my opinion. I believe the children today are expected to learn more, sooner, as there is more to learn now. Tough. A child's brain may be a sponge, but the child is not an automaton.
Acid, are you reinforcing the addition/subtraction? Have you tried explaining the similarities between addition and multiplication, and how multiplication simplifies addition? Math is a language, and once you understand the underlying concepts (grammer, etc.) then you being to form your own sentences, as it were.
Kudos to you for what you're doing, BTW. Keep it up.
Acid, are you reinforcing the addition/subtraction? Have you tried explaining the similarities between addition and multiplication, and how multiplication simplifies addition? Math is a language, and once you understand the underlying concepts (grammer, etc.) then you being to form your own sentences, as it were.
Kudos to you for what you're doing, BTW. Keep it up.
phlaym
Member
This thread got me thinking and I'm sorry, but I think the education system is in the gutter in this country and we're probably not the only country. Now that I think about it, I can't remember being properly taught basic arithmetic in school. Although I know it because I was taught by my parents before I got to grade 1. And this with my parents being immigrants and my mom only finishing primary school and my dad not even going to school.
I agree, you have to make sure all previous knowledge needs to be learned properly before moving on. Have a meeting with the teacher / headmaster and bring up your points. If its not satisfactory, change schools or get private tuition or just teach them properly at home (what you're doing so far sounds like a good idea but I'm no expert).
Yes, children are expected to learn much more, much quicker nowadays and thats where the problem lies. In varsity, the engineering syllabus gets audited every 5 years and changes are implemented where necessary. Things that were discovered in PhD thesis' in the past few decades are now taught as fundamentals in undergraduate courses just so that tertiary degrees remain globally competitive (obviously degree dependent...). As the varsity courses gets more difficult, it would be logical to make sure the children entering are properly prepared but since the primary and high school syllabus hasn't really changed in the last few decades (bar the format / method change with OBE) in terms of content and skills, children that matriculate now are prepared for varsity if they were in the 60s or 70s, but definitely not the 21st century.
So, good on you for being worried about your nieces' education and taking the initiative, and beware private schools. Not all private schools are as good as they look.
I agree, you have to make sure all previous knowledge needs to be learned properly before moving on. Have a meeting with the teacher / headmaster and bring up your points. If its not satisfactory, change schools or get private tuition or just teach them properly at home (what you're doing so far sounds like a good idea but I'm no expert).
Yes, children are expected to learn much more, much quicker nowadays and thats where the problem lies. In varsity, the engineering syllabus gets audited every 5 years and changes are implemented where necessary. Things that were discovered in PhD thesis' in the past few decades are now taught as fundamentals in undergraduate courses just so that tertiary degrees remain globally competitive (obviously degree dependent...). As the varsity courses gets more difficult, it would be logical to make sure the children entering are properly prepared but since the primary and high school syllabus hasn't really changed in the last few decades (bar the format / method change with OBE) in terms of content and skills, children that matriculate now are prepared for varsity if they were in the 60s or 70s, but definitely not the 21st century.
So, good on you for being worried about your nieces' education and taking the initiative, and beware private schools. Not all private schools are as good as they look.
scotty777
...doesn't know
hmmm, I suggest you teach them kids the basics first!
I've noticed that the problem with my sister and a lot of kids these days is that not enough emphasis is brought onto understand the number line, understand how it works etc... Everyone just learns numbers as 1, 2,3, etc...but if you don't understand what the numbers are doing, and how you manipulating them, then kids will struggle with things later on. When you deal with variables, sine and cosine, and general calculus, if you have a very strong foundation, and understand the manipulations, then it's easy as pi... I really suggest you teach them how to do simply problems, tell them how and why these things work... everything you learn builds on, so a strong foundation makes things later on easier.
I've noticed that the problem with my sister and a lot of kids these days is that not enough emphasis is brought onto understand the number line, understand how it works etc... Everyone just learns numbers as 1, 2,3, etc...but if you don't understand what the numbers are doing, and how you manipulating them, then kids will struggle with things later on. When you deal with variables, sine and cosine, and general calculus, if you have a very strong foundation, and understand the manipulations, then it's easy as pi... I really suggest you teach them how to do simply problems, tell them how and why these things work... everything you learn builds on, so a strong foundation makes things later on easier.
JerryMungo
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I agree Scotty... the same goes for languages.
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Because maths is so important we put our kids into the Kumon program.
It is a worthy investment.
http://www.kumon.co.za/
They are now all three years advanced beyond the normal math level.
It is a worthy investment.
http://www.kumon.co.za/
They are now all three years advanced beyond the normal math level.
Interesting.
Does not seem overly complex and makes one wonder why they can't do this in normal schools.
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Kumon just teaches basic number and math skills... but it goes back and starts at the beginning again for everybody.
They don't teach the basic methods in the State schools cos they are too lazy and have their own ideas about how things should be taught (remember, they think that maths is an imperialistic concept designed to keep the masses ignorant).
JerryMungo
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Nice... any comparison to schooling in the 70s / 80s? Or would you say different altogether.
P
Picard
Guest
SomeoneEls
Senior Member
Maths games like opensource Tux Maths and Mathwar may be an Idea, but sounds like you're doing a lot of good things!
Tux Maths works on Windows Linux and OS X
Tux Maths works on Windows Linux and OS X
wrathex
Expert Member
Very good of you to care and assist your nieces.
I do believe that the mathematical foundation should be laid down by parents long before Grade 1.
(from age 3)
This is done through play and toys, like a toy abacus or strings of beads or packets of smarties - where
the basics of numbering, amount and adding and subtracting are taught.
The game of monopoly can also be used, playing shop-shop and so on.
Once children are under the impression that maths is challenging (and not fun), they far too often develop
a mental block about it - then extra efforts will have to be made.
Keep at it, make it fun and in the case of girls, use the right terminology eg:
if you have 5 lipsticks and you give two to your best friend, how many will you have left
there are ten friends coming to a birthday party each friend must get a yellow and pink balloon, how many balloons will you have to blow up ?
Tips:
Make a R50 or R100 into smaller notes and a lot of the coins - use these to teach with
- this is the practical way to teach foundation mathematics
- the kids can work with the objects, touch and feel and see and hear them (coins/notes)
- money is real, it exists in real life and is not a mystery or theoretical
- coins can be stacked, laid out in rows or columns or even in shapes eg a square/circle
- they are perfect for teaching: addition, subtraction, division and multiplication basics
- wash the coins before the kids handle them
- get them involved in the whole process
- tell them what you are doing and why
Best of luck
I do believe that the mathematical foundation should be laid down by parents long before Grade 1.
(from age 3)
This is done through play and toys, like a toy abacus or strings of beads or packets of smarties - where
the basics of numbering, amount and adding and subtracting are taught.
The game of monopoly can also be used, playing shop-shop and so on.
Once children are under the impression that maths is challenging (and not fun), they far too often develop
a mental block about it - then extra efforts will have to be made.
Keep at it, make it fun and in the case of girls, use the right terminology eg:
if you have 5 lipsticks and you give two to your best friend, how many will you have left
there are ten friends coming to a birthday party each friend must get a yellow and pink balloon, how many balloons will you have to blow up ?
Tips:
Make a R50 or R100 into smaller notes and a lot of the coins - use these to teach with
- this is the practical way to teach foundation mathematics
- the kids can work with the objects, touch and feel and see and hear them (coins/notes)
- money is real, it exists in real life and is not a mystery or theoretical
- coins can be stacked, laid out in rows or columns or even in shapes eg a square/circle
- they are perfect for teaching: addition, subtraction, division and multiplication basics
- wash the coins before the kids handle them
- get them involved in the whole process
- tell them what you are doing and why
Best of luck
scotty777
...doesn't know
My school put me on Kumon... about 14 years ago
... I don't think it made a difference in my life though, I've always just had a knack for logic and numbers 
, and when I decided to actually do homework, and study for tests in matric, boom, I got a distinction (up from 50% on the nose since grade 7 ). What I think is more valuable is getting kids to go home, and do their homework!