Q&A 4: Is it safe to delay math learning?

 

In this episode we hear from listener Lindsay who wonders whether it's safe to delay math learning, since (they've heard) there's a 'critical window' for learning language.

 

Would delaying math learning mean that our child can't catch up later? Will they develop a negative view of their own learning? What if they can't get into college? We address all of these questions and more.

 

The Learning Membership

 

Discover an empowering learning approach for your child. The Learning Membership supports you in nurturing their love for learning–whether you homeschool or send them to school! 

 

In our supportive community, we cherish their unique learning style, fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Enrollment will reopen soon.

 

Watch your child soar to new heights of knowledge and lifelong learning! Click the banner to learn more!

 

 

If you want to get a taste for what it's like to be in the Learning Membership, sign up for the FREE 90 minute You Are Your Child's Best Teacher masterclass. Click the banner to learn more!

 

 

Jump to Highlights
01:10 Listener Lindsay asks the question, “How safe is it to neglect math education until your child shows some kind of interest in wanting to do it?”

01:48 Jen gives her academic history in math and admits to applying problem-solving strategies without full comprehension.

07:44 The critical period for learning seen in animal research also applies to children with severe language deprivation during early months.

08:51 The critical period for language development and second language acquisition is questioned in relation to math learning.

12:58 Sudbury School's anecdotal evidence suggests children can learn math quickly when motivated, sparking questions about early teaching, fostering a love of learning, and the impact on future opportunities.

15:54 Emphasizing intrinsic motivation over forced comparisons

 

In this episode we hear from listener Lindsay who wonders whether it's safe to delay math learning, since (they've heard) there's a 'critical window' for learning language.

 

Would delaying math learning mean that our child can't catch up later? Will they develop a negative view of their own learning? What if they can't get into college? We address all of these questions and more.

 

The Learning Membership

 

Discover an empowering learning approach for your child. The Learning Membership supports you in nurturing their love for learning–whether you homeschool or send them to school! 

 

In our supportive community, we cherish their unique learning style, fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Enrollment will reopen soon.

 

Watch your child soar to new heights of knowledge and lifelong learning! Click the banner to learn more!

 

 

If you want to get a taste for what it's like to be in the Learning Membership, sign up for the FREE 90 minute You Are Your Child's Best Teacher masterclass. Click the banner to learn more!

 

 

Jump to Highlights
01:10 Listener Lindsay asks the question, “How safe is it to neglect math education until your child shows some kind of interest in wanting to do it?”

01:48 Jen gives her academic history in math and admits to applying problem-solving strategies without full comprehension.

07:44 The critical period for learning seen in animal research also applies to children with severe language deprivation during early months.

08:51 The critical period for language development and second language acquisition is questioned in relation to math learning.

12:58 Sudbury School's anecdotal evidence suggests children can learn math quickly when motivated, sparking questions about early teaching, fostering a love of learning, and the impact on future opportunities.

15:54 Emphasizing intrinsic motivation over forced comparisons in math fosters self-awareness, more vital for a fulfilling life than specific skills.

19:31 Cognitively Guided Instruction values children's math knowledge, encourages pattern exploration, and validates individual methods, fostering a deeper understanding of math concepts.

22:09 Fostering children's intuitive understanding of math through collaborative learning and self-developed algorithms is a powerful approach.

24:01 Don't worry about formal math instruction; children will naturally develop their own strategies and algorithms when provided with a supportive learning environment.

 

 

References
Singleton, D., & Lesniewska, J. (2021). The critical period hypothesis for L2 acquisition: An unfalsifiable embarrassment? Languages 6(3), 149.