Dominion- Why Study Math Reason 2
Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines arithmetic:
The science of numbers, or the art of computation. The various operations of arithmetic are performed by addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
These operations are necessary to care for property. Every week, I gather payments from various labor, add them up, and write a bank deposit. Then I get the privilege of dividing the money between the bills. By the grace of God, I don’t usually deal with negative numbers, and because my husband and I have done the math, we know our limits and set our goals.
It is easy to see that finances deal with numbers, but math is important for more than balancing the checkbook. In A Guide to American Christian Education, James Kilkenny writes,
None of the vast varieties of the work of the world, either in planning, doing, or evaluating, could be done without arithmetic. It is an essential tool of dominion.
The very stuff of existence requires a knowledge of math. We need food, shelter, and clothing to survive. How can we get and keep those things without adding or subtracting, planning or evaluating? Our goals and dreams hinge upon the hard work of doing. Even the hours and minutes of life are counted “that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
Teaching our children arithmetic is imperative for without it they will be dependent upon someone to care for them and their property. However, equipping children with the “tool of dominion” grows good stewards prepared to live in freedom caring for the many blessings God bestows.
Why Study Math: Reason 1, Reason 3, Reason 4
We just returned my daughter back to the first lesson of today’s math book again. concepts were being lost . . .she doesn’t like it, but in the end, she’ll be glad. :)
This is one subject we struggle with daily. This is also *the* subject that constantly reduces her to tears and I wonder if maybe I’m just a bad teacher or I’m just trying too hard. DD understands math intuitively, but she really disdains thinking through the steps. Today she had an “aha” moment when we were doing fractions and that light in her eye filled me with so much joy. Blessings, Miiko
I really loved this post. Your insights into education and real daily life really inspire me as a home schooler.
JaJireh,
Arithmetic is the foundation for all of math, so I try not to think that we are “behind.” My son didn’t start his book over. We switched curriculum. It has letters rather than grade levels, so he doesn’t even know that he is doing third grade math. I am hoping the success he is having will cover the tears.
Miiko,
We struggle with math, too. That is why I decided to write this series. If I am inspired that will help my son.
We had a couple years of tears, too. We switched curriculum which has helped, but I wonder if maturing has an effect as well. It helps me to know that my son understands the science of math now. We both struggle with attitude sometimes, but isn’t that an opportunity to learn self government? :)
I’m so glad that you saw that moment of understanding in your daughter’s eyes. That is so encouraging!
Melinda,
Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad my attempts to encourage myself inspire others. :)
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