Two Pet Peeves

When it comes to math, there are 2 MAJOR pet peeves that I have...

1. When reading a number like 149 as "one-hundred and forty-nine."

In math, AND means something. It is an indication that a number has a decimal point. Even if you teach younger children, please don't use and.

2. Telling students that they CAN'T subtract a larger number from a smaller number (ex. 2-3). You can actually subtract a larger number from a smaller number. You will get a negative number. So, your students might not be working on these types of problems, but to say it can't be done is untrue.


Why does it even matter?
It is VERY difficult, especially with students who struggle in math, to un-teach misconceptions. When students get into grades where they encounter decimal points and negative numbers, it is important that they not be confused by past practices.

one hundred and forty-nine looks like: 100.49
2-3= -1

So please....   when saying numbers aloud to students in younger grades, subtract the word "and" from your vocabulary.

When a student in younger grades is trying to subtract 2-3, don't tell them they can't do that. Tell them that, while it is possible, it is not something they are learning yet and that they need to use borrowing to solve the problem.