One of the goals for my kids this year and every year is to teach them how to stick with things when they are challenging. To me, work feels good and natural. I love the look on my kids' faces when they know they've worked hard to accomplish something or understand something that may not have come easily to them. As teachers and parents, we have to be creative in these days in which we are living to provide those opportunities for our children. Math is a perfect arena where work, practice, and a "sticking to it" attitude pay off. There are many new topics for sixth grade mathematics - decimal computations, percents to decimals to fractions, and advanced reasoning skills associated with word problems. It is not easy. The kids will hear me say it a million times this year, "You must STUDY math. You must PRACTICE math to get good at it."
I am blown away at the determination and work ethic of our USA Olympic athletes. Eight Olympic medals didn't come easily for Michael Phelps (although he seemed to make it look that way!). He has given our family great opportunities to discuss the value and rewards associated with hard work and sacrifice. I hear people say it all the time, "Our kids don't know how to work." Then....do your part to teach them. Join us in Room 36 as we WORK ON THE WORK every day.