I am also an 'old fogey' and while I understand how the world has
changed, I am also aware that kids have changed - and not for the
better.

They may be entering school able to 'point and click' but the
ability to sequence events and strategize is often lacking. This
was something I learned playing board and card games - before I
even went to kindergarten. Checkers, rummy, casino, ... kids
don't play board games anymore --- and they don't read!

I just wonder if 'pushing down' the concepts is a set of lessons
in futility - can children's brains even handle this information?
I mean, if we start teaching concepts of area starting in
kindergarten, and continue teaching it on a slightly deeper level
each year - then why can't my kids understand area in grade 8?
Surely after 8 years they should have absorbed something? Yet
when they get to grade 8, I find myself starting from scratch.

btw, as far as starting from 6 or 3 when adding 6+3 on their
fingers --- i would be happy either way. Mine start from the
beginning and count up to 6 BEFORE adding the 3 (or vice versa).
in other words - they can't even put up 6 fingers w/out counting.
no wonder no one can make change anymore.

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