Week 1 Task 1: Your mathematical dreams and worries

1. I loved the answer that used the way the poster's family read, share and quote poetry throughout their day as an example of how they wanted their mathematical experience to be. We too have no trouble playing with poetry and stories in our everyday life. I can see my children quote and share words that we have been reading, even when the context or referent is to a large extent beyond them. But the way that such language becomes a part of their vocabulary, the way they play with it and make it their own, is exactly how I want us to learn and use mathematics.

My dreams are also more prosaic however, in that I want them to be able to use the maths they need, and to pass whatever formal and informal tests may come their way.

I also struggle with a fear of being judged by others, a fear that we may somehow not 'match up' to the expectations of others or even of myself. I don't want this fear to drive our maths education though; I want the dreams to provide the impelling force. It is not always easy to remember this, so thank you for all you do to remind me!

2. In terms of multiplication in particular, I see (in my ideal world) my children enjoying playing with multiplication, delighting in and puzzling over, as I do, the quirks and tricks of the 9 times table for example. I see them noticing and considering examples of multiplication in everyday life, from numbers to patterns to concepts, and doing so purely from their own interest, not because I am chivvying them to! I see them truly understanding what multiplication is and how it works, and finding a way to make sense of it in their own unique ways.

1. I loved the answer which described how their day was filled with poetry, reading, quoting and sharing it, as a dream of how they wanted mathematics to be in their children's lives. We too play with words every day; we have recently been reading some Shakespeare stories and my children love to quote lines like "parting is such sweet sorrow" and "oh happy dagger"! I am under no illusion that they completely understand the context or referents of these quotes (they are only 6!). But the way such language becomes part of their vocabulary, the way they play with it and make it their own, is exactly how I want them to be with maths.

However I also know, if I am honest, that my dreams include fear; a fear that they might be 'behind', that I might somehow fail them in their mathematical learning, that other people might judge them and me. So I know that I also dream that they will be able to use the maths they need, and even that they 'pass' the formal and informal testing they/we will face as they grow older.

2. Specifically with relation to multiplication: I would love to see my children enjoying spotting patterns in multiplication, being as amazed and intrigued with, for example, the tricks of the 9 times table as I was. I would like to see them noticing examples of multiplication as we go about our day, and sharing thoughts about them purely through their own interest. I would like to see them confident with the real meaning of what multiplication is, and how it works, and understanding how to use and recognise it in their lives.

I already replied to this but wanted to post an update. My 8-year-old daughter was struggling with a new piano piece. I asked her to stop and tell me what things were the most important things in the world to her, and what she loved and valued. At first she struggled and fought a little, but but she got into it and her affect brightened. Then I asked her to hold that feeling in her body and return to the peice. She was able to execute it at a much higher level, and when she stumbled, she didn't melt down! She asked what happened, and I explained about the essence of the article listed above. Very cool!

I dream that my son can regain the natural understanding he had of math early on. I want his struggles and fears replaced with understanding and confidence.

If this dream comes true then multiplication will become easy and second nature to him.

I dream they can learn and use mathematic as a natural things in life, like put on a shoe or reading a book. I hope they understand the importance of mathematic in their real life, not only memorizing numbers or rules but feel confortable about math. I see my children learn multiplication having fun with games, manipulation works, drawings, body movements...they learn without beeing worry about learning or making fault, then when it comes to do some multiplication for making a recipe, doing a work or creating something, they simply use math and multiplication like they are using other systems. I dream they develope a mathematic mind, a logic mind that helping them solve problems in their future life, with logic and creativity.

I hope that they enjoy math and find satisfaction in persevering when they encounter and work through a tough problem. I see them using multiplication in practical activities they enjoy such as sewing and animal care.

1. I dream that he views mathematics as a language that--upon gaining fluency--he sees is actually the key to a number of other languages.

2. That he use this language and all its related languages fluently and comfortably.

1. I want my child to feel comfortable around numbers and problem solving, and enjoy mathmatics around her. I would also like for her to think of herself as someone who's good at maths and to approach the subject with a positive outlook.

2. I see her noticing numbers and maths all around her, picking up patterns in multilplication tables, using various strategies to multiply.

To show them that math isnt difficult subject that ee should shove aside and forget, but that it has helped people.make some of the most amazing discoveries Of our time.

I want children to be excited about math and numbers. There is so much wonder and awe in mathematics and I want students to embrace the excitement, without fear and/or anxiety.

I'd like them to see how multiplication applies to life...it's all araound them.

1. To help them become familiar with math concepts, and to recognize that it is around them everyday. All with the hope that when they see it in school, it won't be so foreign

2. Learning in a couple of ways - maybe through tables, art, whatever works best for them.

1. To not be daunted by Math, I struggled to learn as I found it so overwhelming. I'd love for my children to see it as part of live and learning that can be as fun and interesting as any other subject.

2. I'd see my children using math in imaginiative play, various games and every day life. I'd love for them to want to experiment with math and enjoy solving problems.

1. My dream is to fully understand their favorites and dreams of playing. and support them!

2. I see that learning mathematics help them to express themselves and opens their minds to different views of curiosities.

I want to understand the underlying principles myself, and I hope that can help me explain the principles to them in an easy and fun way.

I want them to "see it" all clearly, and internalize it so that they can apply their knowledge later on to other mathematical fields, and to life itself!

I want to understand the underlying principles myself, and I hope that can help me explain the principles to them in an easy and fun way.

I want them to "see it" all clearly, and internalize it so that they can apply their knowledge later on to other mathematical fields, and to life itself!

Is dream my child will fall in love with learning and be at it all his life. I want my child to see the beauty in natural math and feel passionate about what math is and how he can solve problems with it.

I dream that my children will have fun with math! I want them to know the pride and confidence that comes with solving an equation with ease, and the wonder that comes with contemplating infinity. I imagine them using math in everyday situations, and maybe teaching their own children some day!

My dreams include: that they don't hate math, that they know when and how to use it, and that they can learn to play around and have fun with it. If my dreams came true I would like to see them learning and using math in a natural setting with everyday objects and finding everyday uses for multiplication.

My dream is for them to believe that math is not difficult and that iwe live math everyday.

I hope that my children will be able to use math competently and confidently in all of their pursuits and adventures. I dream about them being able to see the beauty of our world through a mathematical lens. I see my children learning about math ideas and concepts through play and exploration and trust that memorization of math facts will follow as a way to work with numbers quickly.

I want my students to have fun exploring the logic and patterns in math that underlie the structure of our universe. I want them to have fun exploring mathematical thinking using manipulatives, visuals, and real-world examples that aid understanding. I want them to see the idea of groups inside the concept of multiplication----not just memorize.

I want my children to see that math is more than memorized facts. I want them to see the beauty in the patterns and logic. I want them to be fascinated by the mathematics that surround them on a daily basis.