Words Matter-Math

In this blog I have written about many topics but I have not spent much time talking about math.  There may be many reasons for this, but one I’m sure is because math is not my favorite subject and I certainly do not want to think about it anymore than I have to, even though when doing research I use math a lot.  You see, I once had a math teacher who instilled the fear of the universe in me.  This teacher taught high school geometry.  I still remember her name and can clearly see her and the classroom in my mind.  On the other hand, I’ve been a musician since I was a child and I’ve been told that music and math go hand-in-hand because music is mathematical.  Thank goodness no one told me that until I was in college, otherwise I probably would have quit music.  I live with family members who are gifted in math.  At least I have people to go to when I need to do math that is beyond my recollection, and I am very thankful for that.  Because my family members are gifted in math, it has never been a difficult subject in my house, nor one that we have had to discuss much, other than the higher-level math topics they discuss…far beyond my understanding.  I suppose that is why I do not write much about math.  I lose them when I talk about the details of music composition and interpretation, so it evens out.

My point is that a teacher’s approach and words can change a child’s life forever.  Teachers need to remember that every word they say means something to students whether students show it or not.  Do I know, as an adult, that math isn’t a subject to fear, and that if I spent the time I might even come to enjoy the many practical uses for math?  Yes, I know that in my practical brain; however, in my heart and emotional brain I know how painful it is to think about high school geometry and how my teacher made me feel so totally ignorant at the board in front of the whole class.

The parent of a gifted child has an enormous task raising their child.  We often have to try to influence our children so they grow strong and can withstand teachers like my geometry teacher.  Supporting each other and advocating for our child is one important way to impact our children.

Lest you think I am math-phobic, here are some great math websites your children may wish to explore.  Enjoy!

Byrdseed Math
http://www.byrdseed.com/tag/math/

Steve Miller’s Math Riddles
https://mathriddles.williams.edu/?page_id=15

Nick’s Math Puzzles
http://www.qbyte.org/puzzles/

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