Math isn't hard; it's a language.

Mathematician Randy Palisoc was a featured TED speaker three years ago. Watch this video to find out how we, as a nation, have made math too difficult. We expect our youngest learners to undetsand abstract concepts instead of teaching them math in a way that relates to the real world and their lives.

Randy Palisoc explains what Mathnasium calls the Law of Sameness to teach a Kindergartner problems involving billions, thirds, and variables with exponents, which she solves with no issues.

At Mathnasium, we start the conversation with the simple question, "What is 1 apple plus 1 apple?" Every child will tell us the correct answer: 2 apples. Next, we say, "Okay, so what is 1 apple plus 1 banana? Is it 2 banapples?" Usually our instructors get a chuckle from the children at that question, because they know it isn't right. It just wouldn't make sense.

So from here, we get them thinking. We explain that in order to add 1 apple and 1 banana, we must first change the name of these two objects. We ask the children if they can think of anything the banana and apple have in common. Instead of "banapples," we change the name to something that both an apple and banana is: fruit. So, now when we ask the children, "What is 1 apple plus 1 banana?" they are able to confidently say, "Two fruits."

There is a way to teach our children math in a way that makes sense to them. There is a way to take out the confusion and frustration and lack of confidence. Randy Palisoc demonstrates it with this one concept, and, at Mathnasium, we teach every child in the way that most makes sense to them. Get the math help your child needs today.