Having raised 3 children I learned how children learn. We
all have little tricks when helping them with arithmetic. Be
it pennies, pretzels, buttons or whatever, they finally get
the concept of adding and subtracting.
When by the second grade the child cannot add 2 + 2 and
goes 1,2 - 1,2. We become alarmed, there is a problem
here. They cannot grasp the concept. If left alone, we must
trust the classroom teacher to see the problem. If we
question it, all too often are told Grandma, it's alright, no
problem. No, if a problem is seen, push to the wall for
someone to recognize it.
Become an absolute pest if need be. By 2nd grade they
should be able to do simple math.
By reading an article a few years ago, I learned it is not
uncommon for children of parents involved in drugs to have
a learning disability with math. One school, or one teacher
may not want to listen. But, hey there are others who are
willing.
This definitely is a problem for some children. Talk to math
specialist. To have a teacher tell you: "You gave me the
key to help her", is a very rewarding statement. Children
learn so much more at an early age, give them the edge. If
you see it, make someone listen to you.
Note: This little girl just made the honor roll this year!
