The Personal Stuff

The familiar, hierarchical sequence of math instruction starts with counting, followed by addition and subtraction, then multiplication and division. The computational set expands to include bigger and bigger numbers, and at some point, fractions enter the picture, too. Then in early adolescence, students are introduced to patterns of numbers and letters, in the entirely new subject of algebra. A minority of students then wend their way through geometry, trigonometry and, finally, calculus, which is considered the pinnacle of high-school-level math.

But this progression actually “has nothing to do with how people think, how children grow and learn, or how mathematics is built,” says pioneering math educator and curriculum designer Maria Droujkova. She echoes a number of voices from around the world that want to revolutionize the way math is taught, bringing it more in line with these principles.

The current sequence is merely an entrenched historical accident that strips much of the fun out of what she describes as the “playful universe” of mathematics, with its more than 60 top-level disciplines, and its manifestations in everything from weaving to building, nature, music and art. Worse, the standard curriculum starts with arithmetic, which Droujkova says is much harder for young children than playful activities based on supposedly more advanced fields of mathematics.

but why the hell would i want this on a laptop or desktop OS?? and turning this off doesn't automatically disable it for textedit and apparently the toggles in textedit don't even reliably work???

If you are able, please consider donating to the Venezuela Humanitarian Fund. They dispense donations out to local organizations on the ground in Venezuela, and you can donate as little as 2 dollars. If you know of any local organizations who are able to take donations online, please share them.

There are, of course, tons of local organizations and efforts ongoing. These often involving donating through Zelle or other mobile pay apps and I know that many people are less likely to donate if there are ‘extra steps.’

In light of this, I’ve added a few larger, “easier”organizations providing aid in Venezuela rn that you can donate to.

I Love Venezuela

World Central Kitchen

CORE

Direct Relief

International Rescue Committee

I just remembered that this was a thing that was HILARIOUS in 2006 and apparently that was ten years ago now.

Old people: join with me in remembering how funny we found this on LiveJournal.

Young people: look at this lolrus, it’s so happy, it has a bucket.