When I first came across the Mortensen Math program, sometimes called More Than Math, I knew I had stumbled upon a gem. It allowed me to address the lack of basic arithmetic skills in high school students while simultaneously teaching them algebra and other advanced math concepts. The program’s concrete, visual approach made learning math fun and easy, and it boosted students’ confidence right away. I realized that there was no going back to the traditional method of teaching math.
It didn’t take long for me to discover how well this program worked with younger students too. I watched them tackle concepts most people assume are too advanced for their age. Watching a 7 year old do algebra problems usually not assigned until 8th grade and light up with a smile as they did it – that was an aha moment for me. Why wait until high school to introduce algebra, when kids are so capable and curious right from the start?
Traditional schooling tells us to save algebra and higher math for the teenage years. We’re taught that kids need years of arithmetic before they’re ready. But after seeing what’s possible with Mortensen Math, I’ve come to believe the opposite: we actually do students a disservice by holding them back. When we use higher math concepts as a framework for teaching the basics – when we let math teach math – students make connections that stick. They see the big picture.
I must admit that if someone had told me years ago that it was possible for 4 to 12 year olds to effortlessly grasp high school math concepts, I would have been skeptical. It goes against everything we’ve been told about when kids are ready for more advanced math. But I’ve seen it firsthand, and with the right approach, kids can tackle math concepts many adults find intimidating.
If you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who cares about kids and learning, I encourage you to question the old assumptions. Kids are capable of so much more than we give them credit for. With the right tools, and the freedom to explore, math isn’t just doable. It’s fun.
Incrfedible!! Can you show us how you teach this concept?
Denise I sent you an email.