Alternative Math

In a world where every "fact" imaginable can be argued from many different sides, it's good to know that math is still sacred...or is it?

​I have the great fortune of still being in touch through email with my kindergarten teacher. As my first grade school teacher, she was a great influence on me at a very early age and I give her tremendous credit for handling a classroom of while 5 and 6-year-olds on a daily basis.

She recently sent me an email with a link to a wonderful little short film called "Alternative Math." While the teacher in the film handles first grade, I can see the same quick wit and genuine love to teaching that my kindergarten teacher has to this day. After all, she's still teaching me things by sharing this fun film. 

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Of course, there are two ways to look at this film. On the surface, it's a fun little comedy in which the teacher has the last laugh. But on a much more sinister level, there is a real reflection of the way our society approached anyone (or anything) they don't agree with. There is instant fear of people with different points of view and when someone tells us we're wrong, we take offense instead of trying to see why they think we are wrong.

I'm thankful for all the teachers out there working so hard to teach our young people not just math facts, science, grammar, music, art, and many other subjects, but also teaching them how to be contributing members of our society. They STILL don't get paid enough for their contribution and yet we continue to ask more and more of them each year.

Take ten minutes today to watch "Alternative Math" and then take another five minutes to thank a teacher, be it one of your own or someone teaching your children.