Unblocking Roadblocks

In Beka's second grade math curriculum,

she was learning measurement.

Along with memorizing the facts of measurement,

she was introduced to the standard 12 inch ruler

and a yardstick.

There were a few questions asking if  she should

use a ruler or a yardstick to measure an item.

She was confused,

then got a little frustrated.

Over the years I have learned,

when a kid is frustrated,

repeating the instructions LOUDER

or with more FRUSTRATION

doesn't help.

I won't tell you how many years it took to learn that,

it is a span that just can't be measured.

When there is a roadblock to learning,

we need to remove it, not pile on top of the roadblock

with our frustration or impatience.

Sometimes, I just put the worksheet aside

and work on something else for awhile.

Other times, I like to find a new way to approach the matter.

I like to SEE things,

Beka likes to TOUCH things,

so we created a new way to learn the concept.

A ruler and a yardstick were found,

a chart was made,

and fun ensued.

After less than five minutes of measuring with a ruler and a yardstick,

the concept was mastered.

Best of all,

we unblocked the roadblock,

and the joy of learning raced on.