Math Makeover: State Requirements Could Change Local Teaching Methods

Bushaw and Pat Herzig, a math teacher on special assignment with upper grades in the Bremerton district, both said that the early instruction doesn't need to solely come from the classroom. Parent involvement and encouragement, even in simple ways, can be effective.

Herzig said that just as children need to be read to so that they'll become adept readers, children also need to be "mathed to."

"Parents can play games where the student keeps score, find math in the kitchen and garage, and on shopping trips," Herzig said. "Never say, 'I was bad at math.'"

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