Math lessons are all around us. They begin before we enter school and they continue into our old age. Several lessons are confronting us right now.
Lesson 1: Math Lessons Mostly for Parents
One math lesson is in being a parent. Numbers need to be introduced to children from the beginning of life. When you give her two pieces of toast, you need to be sure to tell your child that you are giving her two pieces. She really learns about numbers when you give her M & M’s because she can eat quite a few. They are best if you count them out to her long before she knows about 6, 7 and 8.
You are a math teacher, English teacher, reading teacher, science teacher, art teacher, and every other kind of teacher. Because she loves you, she trusts the lessons you want to teach. She listens to what you say and tries to learn what you suggest. You are her first teacher and you are a very important teacher.
Lesson 2: Math Lessons Mostly for Parents, Children
Every once in a while you have an opportunity to teach more lessons. One such time is coming this month when we hold another BLOCKFest. This event is being sponsored by First Teacher and the Sequim School District through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This is a free, fun event being held at Greywolf Elementary School in Sequim. You can register now for the Saturday, Jan. 23rd BLOCKFest by calling 683-2250 and signing up for the 10-11 a.m., 11:30-12:30 p.m. or 1-2 p.m. session. This is a great chance to play and learn math and science with blocks with your child or children.
Come join us in this family togetherness time. All families with children between ages 8 months and 8 years are welcome — this is an activity done together and not a drop-off event. We play blocks in socks — so wear your favorite pair! Share and join the fun!
This is a chance to bring your child to school for one hour and have a great time. It is an opportunity for you to learn ways to teach her about math and science and for you to learn about ways to be a better teacher. She or he also will receive a free book (not just a math book) and probably a set of blocks.
The set of blocks is still in the making but we hope they will be done in time. If they aren’t, you will be able to pick them up later if you have attended this class. These are blocks that Larry Laing from Sequim generously is making for each child who participates in BLOCKFest.
Lesson 3: Math Lessons Mostly for Parents, Voters
The third math lesson is for parents and voters. I am not going to try to tell you to vote for Hillary or Donald or Bernie or Mario. That is your choice. But I do have strong feelings about another election.
The Sequim School District Bond Election is coming up next month. When I learn that there are over 22 portable classrooms that are over 20 years old or that the science classes were constructed in 1967, I am concerned.
I have two grandchildren who are using some of these outdated facilities. I want these children to be ready for college. I want them to have an up-to-date education.
I also work with the First Teacher program. I see these eager young students getting ready for school. I don’t always see the schools getting ready for these eager young students. When I read about the lack of bathroom facilities it concerns me. When I learn about the many entrances to get onto campuses in the district, I am very concerned about the security. Sure, we can say nothing has ever happened before. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be taking the most security standards into consideration.
Of all the people who should be voting for this bond election it should be parents and relatives of our youngest citizens. If the facilities are out of date or in need of repair now, project ahead when your child will be in school. It is time to invest in our schools. Sure there is cost involved; Brian Lewis from the district says the cost will be $2.16 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. It also is sad to have to run this election multiple times to try to get the support that is needed to pass this essential measure.
If you aren’t registered to vote, find out about the deadline immediately. Remember, the election is Feb. 9. If you have questions, call Gary Neal, the Sequim School District superintendent at 582-3260; get your answers. But be sure to vote. Every vote is essential.
Even if you don’t have children about to enter school or in school, we need to live in an educated community. Investing in our schools just makes sense. If you are 25 or 85, having schools we can be proud of is essential. Help make this happen. This is math that just makes sense.
Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which publishes newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents. Reach Martin at pmf@olypen.com or at 681-2250.
