I know that 'illiterate' refers to not being able to read and write, but maths is a language and our children should be able to read and write it. It has its own vocabulary, syntax and it encourages problem solving and analysis. My point is, why are there not booster classes for maths from year 3? Why do schools only concentrate on it when it is far too late? If a capable child does not know the multiplication tables by year 6, is this not cause for concern? Or am I making the problem too simple? Perhaps there is not a problem and it is okay for our children to continue to fear and live in ignorance of maths. Funny, people seem to treat not being able to do maths as a badge of honour. You hear it all the time. However, it is strange how we stigmatise those who cannot read!
I think it is appalling how this country leaves our young people to struggle, while other emerging countries are doing their best to educate their young people. I have known 14-year-olds that cannot add and subtract – forget knowing the times tables! In this credit-laden society that we are evolving into, how will these young people cope with financial burdens? How will they manage their finances? I am not saying that they have to do A level maths. Just make them literate – maths literate and start from an early age. Believe me, it is difficult trying to teach a 14-year-old the times tables and subtraction! We need to start from a young age and submerge our children into maths. Make it fun. Play games. Encourage young people to invest and save. Granted they will not get much for their saving in terms of interest, but at least it will encourage them to have money for a rainy day!
What do you think?