Julia Sims: Mama got schooled!

Math has never been my thing. Sure, I know it's important, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. I'd rather craft a clever phrase than calculate a complex formula.

Despite my distaste for the subject, I thought surely I could help Will with elementary school math if needed. How naive of me!

There are sticks and circles and crazy questions that boggle the average parent's mind.

Last week. I had the opportunity to go back to the classroom. (And yes, I sat in the front row!) Will's teacher and another fourth grade teacher held a crash course in math for parents. Brilliant idea!

Mr. Z explained why it's so important students are learning the "why" behind division and multiplication. Then he showed us the "old school" math versus the new school math. I had a better understanding once I actuality saw it in action.

Here's the thing though: Will's teacher didn't make us feel like dummies or dinosaurs. He told us if our child has a question and we don't know how to help, be honest! He said use it as a learning opportunity and try to figure it out together. He encouraged us and empowered us.

For that one hour, Mr. Z made me excited to be in the classroom. His energy and enthusiasm convinced an anti-math person like myself that I can actually conquer this new elementary school math! Heck, I was ready to go back to fourth grade after that tutorial!

Educators often have one of the toughest jobs around ... and one of the most important. Granted, we are still in the early stages of fourth grade, but I believe with dedicated teachers like this, Will is in pretty good hands.