Math Help

Dear Parents,

I know it seems strange the way I teach math and I know that some of you are think that I do not know what I am doing, but the truth is I really do. It is important that the kids learn the meaning or reasoning behind each procedure or algorithm. They will understand math on a deeper level, they will make fewer mistakes and future math concepts will make more sense - such as algebra. I understand this can be frustrating to many parents, because they did not learn math this way and they want to just jump in and teach their child the way they learn. My question is though, do you know why you do each procedure, did your fourth grade teacher explain the reason behind each step, because mine did not and when I asked, she could not explain and just told me to do what she said. There is a better way of teaching math and that is to make sure that the children understand the math and not just the steps or "short cuts."
So, please have faith in me and do not teach your child a different way to doing long division, multiplication and any other concept. This confuses them and defeats my purpose. I will eventually get to the traditional way that we all learned, but first we will learn some different ways that will better help them reason.
I am working on recording my lessons, so that parents have some help at home, but for the now, remember that a little confusion is not a bad thing. Many times a little confusion is good because they are thinking about it and they are on the verge of understanding. I am also always willing to help a child after school and during recess if I do not have anything else scheduled.

Thank you for your support,

Miss Brown