Well, this is rather a simple problem. Either you WANT to "love" math or you DON'T. If you want to understand it -- let it be the most important thing to you. Put everything into learning math. Don't listen to those who will discourage you, then you will "get it."

I failed 2nd grade because I couldn't tell the difference between the number "8" and the letter "B", or the letter "q" and a number "9". Silly? No way! It was stumping me just like walking into a wall would. Then my good teacher told me "you can do it, keep trying, you will understand, you CAN understand...” So, after the 2nd time through second grade I DID! Math went to the top of my list. Everything I said I converted to some kind of math. Two halves make a whole. Divide a candy 3 ways for three kids etc.

I kept at it and eventually went to college, and soon became a 4.0 honor student in math and chemistry; as promising candidate for a teacher the world was very exciting. I was taking advanced calculus and chemistry and was on my way to finding ways to teach these "higher concepts" to 4th and 5th grade students. Then....

It was about 9 years ago when I was struck down by a stroke. Sadly that almost ended my life, and worse, my will to teach and improve upon math. But, I am now coming back! It took a few years but I refused to quit. Without math we can get nowhere; so with your help and others we can help each other learn and learn a better way to learn math. Use the "old ways" then when you master them, go on; go on and improve the way we teach until it is easier, and easier.

We cannot get to the STARS by re-inventing the wheel every generation. Math is a tool, like a hammer. You don't pound a nail with your fist so don't solve a problem with myth. Stay away from those who say, "You can't do that.... I can't be done..." Those are ghosts of the past. Move ahead. Then you will see: the difficult can be done; the impossible just takes a little longer!

Now get to work.... or I might say, have fun. Because math is truly fun if you apply yourself 100% to it -- and refuse to quit.

Shelli