Willem's been wanting to learn fractions since last year, when he was in grade 1. He asked a babysitter once if she got to do fractions in school. When she told him yes, he figured that she was really lucky. That's the background to my story for today.
At supper, Will was telling me that when he was at the computer lab today at school he found a really cool website. It had FRACTIONS.
{Oh, yes. This is a real conversation.}
I inquired as to what exactly it said about fractions.
"Oh, you know. Things like three fifths times four. Which I don't think is really possible because you can't have the top number higher than the lower number."
On the contrary, my dear son. So I pulled out a paper and a pencil and did a quick sketch to explain it to him.
"Oh!" he said as his bright blue eyes lit up brighter than the sky on a sunny day. The corners of his eyes crinkled and his smile was so big. It clicked. He got it. And he was so happy.
This child loves learning so much. And this is why I get so upset when he doesn't get to learn at school. I mean, really. Who gets excited over fractions? Apparently my son does.
His joy in learning really is such a wonderful thing to behold.
I don't think I've told you lately how much I love your kids...all of them. This story made me smile. That Will is an amazing boy.
ReplyDeletewell it is just a good thing that it was YOU he was talking to and not me... because I have blocked as much "fractions" talk from my brain since I found the whole thing traumatizing in school! Oh how I hated learning fractions!
ReplyDeleteI'd have to google it.
And ya, you'd think that someone who loves to learn would be a school's dream... I guess that trick is just figuring out WHAT he WANTS to learn.
Amanda, you are an amazing woman. I don't know how you manage 3 different and individual children, your marriage and just life in general. I am in awe of you and so happy to be related to you!
ReplyDeletekirstyn loves loves loves math too. her favorite thing to do is play Cyberchase games on pbskids.org You should check it out and see if he would enjoy it too.
ReplyDelete