While doing math I have had many successes, and disasters. Since I’ve been learning and doing math for a long time I have lots of stories from different times in my life. The first thing I remember about math is seeing six dots on a piece of paper. I don’t know why I remember this because it is kind of specific. In fourth grade we had to learn all of the multiplication combinations from 1-12. Although learning the problems was difficult at first I eventually I passed the multiplication evaluation and was very proud of myself. I’ve always loved KenKen, but certain puzzles are really difficult for me so when I finally solve them I feel satisfied with my work. In the beginning of sixth grade we studied percents. I could never remember how to order the numbers in the equation. At the end of sixth grade we started algebra and didn’t understand some of it. Other than that last year was a pretty good year for me in math.
I like learning math because it helps me with my everyday life. For example learning percents helps me figure out how much to tip. I also love the feeling I get when I finally understand something that I haven’t understood before. That feeling is similar to when I solve a problem that I never thought that I could solve. Those things are great, but my all time favorite thing about math is the fact that I get to keep learning more and more about the same subjects. For example when I had a unit about geometry in second grade it was very different then when I had a unit in sixth grade. That is interesting to me because geometry is always geometry, but as I get older I learn more difficult concepts and skills.
I dislike learning math because it can be very complicated and frustrating when I don’t understand something. I also hate when I get stuck while doing a problem. Usually when I feel stuck I take a step back and really think for a minute and if I still can’t get it I will ask for help. Another thing I dislike about learning math is that in most problems there is only one right answer. This means that if you mess up one thing you will probably get it wrong.
I do consider myself a good math student because I am organized with my work and I try my best at home and at school. Something that I struggle with is participating enough in class. I make it a goal to speak at least three times per discussion. This helps me because I am a competitive person and having a goal makes my brain think it’s a contest with myself.
I usually start my homework right when I get home from school so I make sure I have enough time to get everything done. I don’t have a certain place I like to work because things change day to day. While I work/study I can’t have the room silent. This also doesn’t mean I like it loud. What I usually do is put music on at a low volume so I can hear it, but it doesn’t distract me. Overall, I’m really excited for math this year.