I watch my children struggle. They push themselves physically and mentally. We work hard. That is one of our family values: Hard things are worth doing and worth the struggle. Yet, watching my children learn, grow, and mature through struggle is never easy. Each year, when I start pre algebra with new students I emphasize
Brain Development is Hard Read More »
Ancient mathematicians are a unique tribe. Exploring the works of Nicomachus in Algebra shows us that he and his comrades were thinking deeply, discussing thoroughly, and contributing consistently. Take the simple mean. Most students learn the calculation of the mean of a group of numbers as the sum of the group divided by the quantity
Nicomachus Ratios & Harmony Read More »
Although we may want to pursue the wonder of the world and open the beauty of creation with mathematics, we often find ourselves in the weeds. We teach our children to identify numbers, patterns, and symbols. We teach them to compute sums and products as though the calculator didn’t exist. In short, we teach arithmetic.
Nicomachus Revisited Read More »
Pragmatism is not the enemy of a classical education. And yet… Somedays I bounce from practical to theoretical faster than a ping pong ball. I relish the delight and wonder of pondering the “deeper magic” and the beauty of the mathematics of calculus or even exponential functions. I want my children and students to glory
We have a love/hate relationship with math in our house. Much like our fickleness about the weather, we love math when it is fine, and hate it when it is gray and cold. Recently, I have discovered the joy of the order of mathematics and how it is reflected in my daily life. When a
