Personally, I do not dislike Math or numbers, but I do not have a special liking towards it. Therefore, I find it very taxing to attend Math module after a long day work. My concentration span is short as I tried to focus for these 5 days. For these 5 days, I would like to briefly mention what I have learnt and picked up.
First, Numbers are learnt through rote counting, rational counting, cardinal numbers, ordinal numbers, nominal numbers and measuring numbers.
I like the video that you showed us on how to conduct the math lesson with the primary children. The “dice” game was especially attractive. Not only were the children drawn into the curiosity of “how” you managed to guess it correctly everything, even the viewers are also amazed by the way you activate the children’s thinking skills. Besides that, I like the number games that you played with us. Think of any 2 nos. and eventually you are able to guess the difference between the 2 sets of numbers. This game has several solutions to resolve the secrets of the games. The way you led us into thinking was very strategic.
The card game from “1-9” was also another game which requires us to think, trial and error on how to arrange it. Every time when we spell out the numbers, the right number will appear. It is so magical but it is not magic, it is math.
The daily quiz that was given to us was also to make us think. Gosh, it was harder than my daily work tasks. It was challenging and frustrating. I always thought I was good at fraction and algebra but now I don’t. I have mixed feeling about it. Sometimes in the middle of the class, while attempting the quiz and games, I feel a bit “stupid”.
I like the “Pegs” encouragement system; however, I would prefer sweets as it would really encourage me to participate. Ho ho ho…
The conclusion that I got at the end of the class was that Math is a subject that require us to activate and practice critical thinking skills to problem solving. It is definitely not the traditional way of drilling and memorising, or any route learning. Mindset has to be change to unlearn and relearn. As an early childhood educator for young children, this is going to be a very big challenge as we need to equip ourselves with all these knowledge and skills before we are able to embark this journey with young children as we ourselves are brought up and taught in the traditional way.
