I taught my kids to multiply numbers using a variety of methods including grids, games (Math War was a favorite) and a musical tape called “Rappin’ with the Facts” (very 90s!)
Then I taught them long division using Saxon Math. At least one of them found it helped to turn a piece of notebook paper sideways to do long division because the lines kept the numbers in the proper columns.
Now that three of my kids are adults, I wonder whether knowing how to multiply and divide large numbers on paper has been helpful to them. (Personally, I don’t use those skills at all since I have a calculator.) I’ll have to ask them if they think it was worth learning those skills.
I assume most homeschooling parents still teach their kids to multiply and divide large numbers on paper. Do you? Why or why not?
We do. I’m in the midst of long division with my youngest. We just want to be sure they understand the concept and can do it. On rare occasion I find myself doing long division by hand. So I don’t put a great emphasis on it but my kids do learn it.
In our experience with standardized tests, calculators are not allowed for those basic computations, at least in the grades we’ve done so far (6th and down).
I think it’s important to teach multiplication and division by hand. Even though we’ve become such a calculator/computer society and don’t often need to pull in these skills, they are very useful. Sometimes you just don’t have anything nearby to calculate except your own noggin! Also, these are concepts that reoccur in math as you move into more and more difficult subjects. Just today I was dividing polynomials with our Algebra 1 course and one of the lectures focused on dividing polynomials with long division. Without any background in doing such things by hand, I would’ve been miserable and lost.
It’s not the be all end all, but it does prepare your brain for the types of learning you’ll encounter.
Margaret, they can use calculators (certain kinds) for the ACT and SAT, but kids don’t take those tests until at least grades 7-8.
April, you make a good point—I forgot that they need this skill for Algebra. Of course, then you get the argument about “Why do we need Algebra?” I told my kids it exercised their brains 🙂
Thanks for weighing in, ladies! 🙂
With my teens I let them use a calculator most of the time. But a few times a week I have them do worksheets for practice and I have them do it by hand. Then I have them correct their own work with a calculator.
That would help keep it fresh in their minds…..good brain exercise, right? I’m finding these comments thought-provoking. Thanks for weighing in!
Very interesting post!
I agree with AprilS in that I like math for the way it trains the brain how to plan and organize. I took advanced math classes in high school and college. Do I use it in my everyday life? Not per se, but I do use the step-by-step process to tackle some of life’s other problems. I use the idea of variables to make logical decisions. And I think it imparts a good kind of disciplined thinking to my often scattered brain 🙂
I often wonder the same thing. With calculators why must they do it on paper. But I do make them do some on paper and then use calculator.
Great points, Stacie!
Carol, sounds like a good balance.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting 🙂
Pingback: Carnival of Homeschooling : The HomeSpun Life