Jason Zimba, one of the writers of the Common Core, waits while his daughters play.

If you're a parent or an educator, you've probably heard complaints about Common Core math. Maybe you've even shared some frustrations yourself. But before we continue to hate on Common Core, let's take a step back and see if we can approach it differently. Believe it or not, you might end up falling in love with it.

Common Core math isn't about making things complicated for the sake of it. The goal is to develop a deeper understanding of math concepts rather than just memorizing formulas and procedures. Traditional math often focuses on getting the right answer quickly, but Common Core encourages students to understand the why behind the math. This shift can be frustrating if you grew up with a different approach, but it also opens the door to more meaningful learning.

One of the biggest changes with Common Core math is the emphasis on multiple methods for solving problems. Instead of teaching just one way to add or subtract, students learn various strategies. This might seem confusing at first, but it actually empowers students. If they understand more than one way to solve a problem, they're more likely to grasp the underlying concepts. For example, when adding 29 + 34, Common Core might suggest breaking it down into (29 + 30) + 4. By decomposing numbers, students can mentally calculate more easily and understand how numbers relate to each other.

Let's look at some common Core math examples to illustrate this. Suppose your child is learning about fractions. In traditional math, they might simply learn to add fractions by finding a common denominator. In Common Core, they might first explore fractions visually, using number lines or fraction bars. By seeing how fractions work in a concrete way, students develop a stronger sense of what fractions represent. This helps them not only add fractions but also apply their knowledge to new problems.

Another example is the use of place value in subtraction. Instead of just borrowing and carrying numbers like we did in traditional math, Common Core might teach students to break apart numbers based on their place value. So, instead of viewing 52 - 17 as a straightforward subtraction, students might think of it as (50 - 10) + (2 - 7). This method might seem longer, but it reinforces an understanding of what the digits in a number actually mean.

It’s easy to see why these methods might frustrate someone used to the traditional approach. But these strategies build number sense, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They encourage students to see math not just as a set of rules but as a flexible and logical system.

As parents and educators, we can support students by embracing this mindset. Instead of saying, "This is too hard" or "This isn't how I learned it," we can say, "Let's figure out why this works" or "How does this method help you understand the problem better?" When we approach Common Core math with curiosity rather than resistance, we model a growth mindset for our children and students.

It's also important to remember that Common Core is still evolving. It's a relatively new initiative, and schools are constantly adapting and improving how they teach it. By keeping an open mind and collaborating with teachers, we can help shape how Common Core math is implemented in a way that benefits all students.

In conclusion, while Common Core math may seem daunting at first, it offers valuable opportunities for deeper learning. By focusing on understanding rather than rote memorization, it helps students build a solid foundation in math that will serve them well in the future. So next time you encounter a challenging math problem, take a moment to explore the Common Core approach. You might find that you not only understand the problem better but also develop a newfound appreciation for math.