Children are inspired by these stories, and by examples and pictures, to find out more. Children come to realize that mathematics has evolved and is still evolving from a practical need. Math, graphing, fractions, all become logical tools for recording and measuring, and algebra a short cut for recording. At this age children continue to enjoy exploring math and geometry concepts if they are related to real life, and if they are presented with materials which can be handled, manipulated, used to create. We must keep sight of this fact when teaching children.
Children enjoy making up problems for each other, and examples that stump their teachers.
This process of math concepts makes them stick in the child's mind. With higher math, geometry and algebra, we give many practical examples and help the children come up with their own formulae after much experience. For each grade level, from 1st through high school, the children are shown the state requirements of math, just as any other subject. Then they learn to plan and schedule their work. It is left to each child to decide the best system and schedule, through trial and error, and with adult help, depending on learning styles, and interests.