My cousin Christie works as an advocate for Head Start and state funding of early childhood education. (Yes, my cousin is a fabulous person.) I asked her to give me the pitch she gives politicians. It was pretty much what I expected--investing now saves later. But there was one counter-argument that hadn't occurred to me. Some of the politicians objected to introducing school work so young. I think they had visions of three year olds being forced to grind away at worksheets.

I also think worksheets are the scourge of education, but I've been paying attention recently to how I, as a middle class highly educated parent, naturally incorporate math into our lives.

Counting

We count street lights before the turn home, driveways before the turn into gymnastics, items that need to be picked up before the piano teacher arrives, paper airplanes, fingers on a hand, fingers on a hand when one is hiding, thank you notes to write, stirs of the chocolate chip banana muffin batter, chocolate chip banana muffins we are allowed to eat in one day, etc.


Hit Me With a Rocket

David is sitting on the windowsill in his room with a foam rocket in his hand. I am in the doorway. David lets fly and the rocket hits my leg.

David: 10 points!

I shoot back, and it hits the wall next to his leg.

David: You get 1 point for that.
Debby: For missing?
David: You came close.

David shoots again and hits me in the ribs.

David: That's 20 points, so now I have [pause] 30 points.

The game goes on usually adding increments of 10, but sometimes adding 5 or subtracting 1. He invented the game and is completely in charge of adding up both our scores.

Bedtime Routine

David: When will you come for your first check on me?
Debby: In two minutes.
David: It's 8:13 now. You have to come at 8:15.

Dice

David (while playing Monopoly): I have a 2 and a 6. I get to move 8.
David (while playing Backgammon): I have a 2 and a 6. I get to move 8.
Mommy: Actually, in this game you have a choice. You could move 8. Or you could move them separately.
Mommy: Now, if you move that one, you'll leave your two's column empty and that's not good for the end of the game.