Homework often reflects a student's home life rather than their academic abilities, making it an unreliable measure of their skills. Many children face circumstances that prevent them from completing homework, which unfairly impacts their grades without considering their true understanding. Instead of traditional homework, engaging math activities at home, like measuring ingredients while cooking or playing math games, can provide valuable learning experiences without the added stress. It’s crucial to reassess the role of homework in accurately assessing a child’s mathematical abilities.

As a mathematics specialist, I often hear comments like, “My son can solve multiplication problems quickly, and he is only in kindergarten!” This reflects a common misconception that math fluency equates to speed. Many parents and educators believe that being able to solve problems quickly means a student is a solid mathematician. However, true math fluency encompasses being flexible, accurate, and efficient—not just fast.

Were you ever a student in a math classroom that sat there in silence wishing that you could “pick the smart kid’s brain”? I know that I was this kid. My teachers followed a structure called “I do, we do, you do,” which made the teacher the “knower of all” and left me struggling to understand.

“Alexa, what is 25 times 3?” “Alexa, how many minutes are in 4 hours?” These are the questions that my 8-year-old son asks Alexa daily, reflecting his love for numbers and curiosity about everything related to math. As a math specialist, I want him to solve problems on his own, but I also believe in teaching him to use technology efficiently. In a rapidly changing world, education needs to evolve to prepare students for future jobs by fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, rather than relying on outdated teaching methods.