Gentle Math

Math has never been easy for my ds.

I tried it all. I won't name it all- you name it, I have tried it.

So, the past 2-3 years I have backed off. I still would try things, like living math, literature, puzzles, games, etc. He picked up a lot from his gaming and life. But the computation just gets him. And the curriculum just overwhelms him, even when his attitude is great.

So now that he is older (16) we do more chatting. About what math is. Why or why not it is important. What he might want to do when he grows up (writing is top of the list), what doors math might open. (test scores, etc)

He found a CD curriculum he likes. (least of all evils)

I asked him if he would like help structuring his time. He said yes.

This is like Me, parent, is helping him. But it is such a give and take. I can definitely see the needs he can't but is like I am helping him come to those conclusions on his own. It is gentle.

Before he would work on his own. He wanted to do it alone. I offered to be nearby, as we decided he was getting stuck and frustrated. So, I did yesterday.

I sat and we did the problems together. Together we decided when he could skip ahead. I think he enjoyed it, as much as he can enjoy math.


But the biggest change was in me. This was literally the FIRST time I sat and realized he is where he should be. I didn't have this hidden desire to push him to do more. Or worry that he was 'behind'. We were just where we were. Where we should be. Sharing the moment. Watching him unfold.

It was gentle. I see that there is a real art to 'teaching.' Maybe the great teachers have this and can do it with a classroomful. I really enjoyed it. There was no pressure to meet a certain level. I was just watching him learn.