January 6, 2008

  • Homework

    It was interesting spending some time with my bf’s older
    nephew on his math homework over the weekend. 
     I couldn’t remember a lot of math
    formulas anymore.  I mean, do you still
    remember how to calculate the volume of a cone or the surface area of a sphere?
     At first he groaned about how unfair the
    assignment was, it was due on Monday, he’s still sick and for this Math
    assignment, he had to write a short story. 
    I immediately sympathized with him on his predicament.  His younger sister saw some of this and gradually
    filled in some details.  He’s had this
    home work for the Christmas break and it was due on Monday.  In her mind, he should have started a lot
    earlier.  Ahh... this is what little sisters are for.  I rolled my eyes and gave him a
    “WHAT?” look. 

    So I sat down with him and jotted down some notes what the
    teacher was looking for and some ideas that he had for the story.  In about an hour, he was able to start
    writing his story. I only gave him some pointers and tried to keep him on
    track.  He quietly did his homework on
    his computer and didn’t have the TV on.  In a couple of hours, he had his first draft
    done. I dropped by the next day and he wanted to declare victory.  But I got him to do some more editing.  This time though the TV was on and his head
    kept turning to watch it.  I was sitting
    behind him and would gently turn his head back to his computer.  In the end, I only guided him on some
    grammar, spelling, and some minor editing. 
    I also asked some questions on the logic of his story so that it made
    sense.  He was a bit surprised when he
    found out that pi (π ) wasn’t spelled pie. 
    I explained to him that it’s actually a Greek letter.

    It was fun for me and a bit nostalgic.  His textbook was fairly old and beat up.  I looked in the back and saw his name plus the names of 5 other kids who used it previously.  I chuckled at how some things haven't changed.  I do wonder about using the computer to do his homework though.  Maybe I'm a bit old fashioned ... or jealous. 

Comments (17)

  • Those dreaded textbooks...sigh.  I don't know any math anymore, aside from the basic four operations.  Since coming to college I haven't taken math at all!

  • you remind me of my cousin.. she was the one who made me sit down and go through all of my korean school hw... *shudder* god I hated that. :/

    I remember the days when we wrote up our papers by hand too!  I actually prefered that than writing stuff up online until I was in the 7th grade where essays were more frequent.   That was definately the transition year for me when everyone started to type things up instead of writting them.  And there shouldn't be a problem wiht using the computer unless he's chatting to like 10 people at the same time. . . that can be a real problem. xD;

  • The computer has caused a lot of changes in the educational system. I still use the pencil and paper method for most of my writing. But I must admit the spell-check on the computer is GREAT!!!.
    That was a feel good experience helping a youngster with his work.

  • you should come to help me learning English too.
    I do remember most of the Math formula, is not hard to remember if you know the theory behind.... 

  • hmmm Matt, I can pretty much guarantee I never put math, homework and 'fun' in a sentence before ... and probably never will

  • Matt:

    I'm no longer relying on email feeds from xanga, and so will offer comments here occasionally.  Glad you're having such moments with babies and kids--you'll make a great father (and are a fine uncle).

    --markb

  • you just reminded me of my friend's personal statement that i have to edit. it's been sitting in my mailbox for a couple months. hopefully she doesn't need my help anymore? i feel horrible.

    jonas

  • I remember the volume of a cone since I needed it for my GMAT.  LOL.  I remember when I was a kid and we got our first computer to do my homework!  It was so exciting.  I like the part about the spelling of pi.  So cute!!

  • What a great experience to teach a kid.  I am sure he will always remember the way you helped him. You made a memory for him.

  • Cone= 1/3rd of the area of the base (pi r squared) times the height. I teach it by making a pie, then cutting it into thirds. Kids get that.

    Spheres are 4 times (pi radius squared). It's four circles. Teach it by playing four square ball or "Sphere" ball. It's dumb but it works.

    Textbooks are horrible. We use them only when absolutely necessary. You don't have to be certified to be a good teacher, good for you :)

  • I only remember formulas and stuff until the class is over for the semester. One professor I had told me that in the real world if you ever needed anything, all you had to do was look it up.

    Maybe your nephew should play pokemon! =]

  • ah...the good old days when we have to use beat up text books that the schools provided. brings back memories  which reminds me that i need to start studying for the GMAT again. 

  • hahaha  i've been coaching a high school math team, so it is forcing me to remember all the basic math and problem solving skills i would have long forgotten otherwise.  i wish they would still provide textbooks in school...  it would make things much easier on the wallet!

    hehehe  pie instead of pi...  very cute!

  • mmmmm.... pi... i could go for a slice of apple pi right about now... with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top... mmmm...

    dammit. i'mma go get something to eat. look what you did, matt.

  • Good karma to you for being such a patient and helpful uncle!  Math was always a tough subject for me even thought I really wanted to get it.  One of these days, I'm going to take one of those open university courses online to see if I can re-learn (or maybe just learn) algebra, geometry, trig, calc, etc.

  • RYC: There were cars in the video?

  • You need a kid!

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