Re: Middle School - Order of Numbers

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Yes, John, you are correct - but I was dealing specifically with phrases
such as a 'SPECIFIC NUMBER more than ....' as most elementary algebra
problems are written. I introduce the other meanings gradually.

But, I have to be realistic - most of my students are non-readers. They
are capable, they can read aloud (decode) the words, but there is no real
comprehension of what they are being asked to do. So, yes, we all resort
to little 'tricks' to facilitate the math.

I know that I am not going to turn them into true readers (although I
try). Most of my students don't even speak English at home. They can't
read in their native language any better than they read in English. This
is the reality. Until we fix the reading problems, we will continue to
struggle in math.

Our curricula are so full, our standards so broad that there isn't enough
time to spend the in-depth class time that is needed to teach this
properly. It is frustrating and unfortunate.

My daughter teaches at a college and teaches hs math to college students
unable to place into college math. They pay for the courses and don't
receive college credit - it is, after all, high school math.

So, I understand your frustration - it is also mine. Hey, I was raised in
a day when word problems were grammatically correct - there was a
difference between less and fewer - so I tend to be a bit exacting with my
students. But .....

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