The Why
Simon, who is 11, isn't doing particularly well in math. The other night, we sat at the kitchen table to work on the multiplying and subtracting of mixed numerals, and what I discovered upon looking closely at his test was that Simon actually does understand fractions, for the most part. So when I say he's not doing well in math, this means, actually, that Simon is not slowing down enough to do well in math. The theories he's got down, for the most part. The motivation to do well, he does not. We reviewed the concepts, and then I stressed the importance of taking the time needed to do a good job. We talked about why grades are important, as faulty a system as that may be, and why he needs to try to get those grades up. And then I brought up diabetes. Diabetes is the elephant in every room, even though the type 1 diabetic himself was elsewhere in the house. A calculator there, test strip here, vials in the frig. With diabetes, I told Simon, we do much the same kinds of math...
As a kid my family used to approach the dinner table this way. I'm kinda glad things have calmed down a bit since. Nevertheless, I could use a bit more intensity and focus this morning... and this video helped. Thx!
ReplyDeleteI know, right? No coffee needed.
ReplyDeletemycotn wins 'best comment of the day'!
ReplyDeletethis post is so. good.
My sentiments exactly. Much better to be the man approaching the bar than the woman with the sign in the short-short shorts.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to think if I approach anything this way. Maybe racketball? No, not even that. Hm. Maybe failure, on a good day. Arghhhhh!
Holyoke: I think this post dovetails somewhat with your latest one on Pepe Le Peu. Maybe? Choose how you'd like to go about your day...
ReplyDeleteArghhh back to you, Kim!