EDU431 METHODS OF TEACHING

MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE IN

THE PRIMARY/JUNIOR GRADES
Required reading N: Analysis and Reflection.
Title:
I Hate Math What We Want Children NOT to Learn
CITATION: Hachey, A. C. (2009). I hate math.
TEXAS CHILD CARE, 2. Retrieved
from,https://childcarequarterly.com/pdf/fall09_math.pdf
ABSTRACT:
Many early childhood teachers do not
feel comfortable teaching mathematics,
as they feel that they are unable to
teach it well. Many of these teachers
feel this way based on bad experiences
that they had as students. There are
several ways to break the trend of
disliking math: acknowledge our
mathophobic feelings, redefine
ourselves as competent mathematician,
carefully examine our past teaching
practice, create a new vision of what
early childhood mathematics should be,
and positively change mathematical
teaching practice. If teachers
appreciate math and make mathematics
an important and valued part of
classroom life, we will be closer to
breaking the negative cycle and prevent
students from hating math.

ANALYSIS/REFLECTION:
I agree, mathematics is a sensitive
subject for both teachers and students.
As a teacher, we must ensure that our
students have the most positive
experience possible when teaching all
subjects. Math is one of those subjects
that I myself have difficulty
understanding. That being said, I
continue to practice my mathematic
skills and review early childhood
mathematics so that I am able to relay
the information clearly and concisely.
Mathematics is an essential skill for
students to have and it is important for
them to embrace this, as it is important
for their future. With respect to early
childhood mathematics, I would try to
teach this in the classroom in a fun and
interesting way, ie. teaching it by
incorporating technology or activities
into the lesson. I believe by teaching it
this way, students will become more
engaged and enjoy learning
mathematics.