Have you seen this math worksheet that’s left parents scratching their heads? It has gone viral, amassing over three million views in just a week, and the overwhelming reaction is one of confusion.
Math Confusion
Let’s tackle the first problem: 5×3 equals 15. So why the mix-up? My non-Common Core-educated mind looks at this and thinks, five, three times. Apparently, I’m supposed to be saying five times three, you fool. Three… five times. As a parent who struggles with math, I can’t fathom why it matters whether we say five, three times or three, five times — the answer remains the same! Seriously, what gives, math?
Common Core is making me feel like I’m lost in a maze, and I’ll admit, it’s why I’m resistant to it. If it actually helps my child excel in math, then I’ll gladly keep quiet.
Shapes and Surprises
But it’s not just math that’s tripping me up. I never thought I’d struggle explaining simple shapes to a kindergartener, yet here I am. When my son brought home a shape identification worksheet, I was caught off guard. Yes, by a kindergartener’s homework. Not my finest hour. Here’s a look at the worksheet:
- The first two rows? Easy-peasy. Triangles and cylinders — I’m on it!
- The third row: One has a face, so that’s definitely a distinction. But one isn’t a complete circle, so that must be the odd one out, right? I should probably teach my kid to ignore the distracting face.
- The fourth row: Two are squares, so the rectangle must be different? But wait, the rectangle is three-dimensional, which is another difference. And the last square has rounded edges — could that be… OH, CRAP!
- Fifth row: I could really use a drink.
I recognize that I’ve been out of school for ages and was hoping to just teach my child the basics: if it looks like a square, it’s a square. Learn your times tables. No one warned me that parenting would involve such complex math! My Greek immigrant mother picked up English while my sister was learning — she definitely wasn’t helping with math, nor was she expected to. Maybe the real lesson here is to step back and let our kids learn in their own way? Ugh, don’t hold me to that. I’m still not sure if this Common Core thing is even an issue. I just wish I could help my kindergartener with their homework without second-guessing myself.
I’ll be right back — I’m off to study my 4-year-old’s worksheets.
This article was originally published on Oct. 28, 2015.
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Summary
Parents are feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of Common Core worksheets, particularly in math and basic shape recognition. The confusion stems from the new approaches to teaching that seem to complicate straightforward concepts. As parents grapple with these challenges, they express a desire for clarity and confidence in helping their children with homework.
Keyphrase
Common Core worksheet confusion
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