Funny Kid Moment--Common Core

I was teaching a math lesson last week and one of my students asked, "Do I have to multiply or can I add?"

The lesson called for multiplying large numbers, but several of my students want to keep doing repeated addition even when it is not efficient.

"The school district expects you to multiply by now.  In fact the State of Washington expects you to multiply.  The people who wrote the Common Core expect you to multiply in fourth grade."

"Just me?"

(Giggles)

"Yes, Sam*, just you.  The rest of you may add."

(Cheers)

"Just kidding."

(Sighs and groans)

We all multiplied.


*Not his real name