I Hate Math

Do you know why so many people hate math? It seems obvious to me.

Children enter the school system eager to learn. And they do so energetically and enthusiastically, each with his or her own learning style. However, they soon discover that the school system exists to quash that individuality and spoon-feed them chosen facts in the chosen manner. Children who do not conform to the system soon learn that school is a horrible place.

That tells us why so many people hate school. But why do they hate math?

Why? Because early-year teachers hate math. Those that enjoy math are teaching in later years, after the damage is done.

It’s not that the early-year teachers are deliberately scuttling math in their pupils’ minds. I find it hard to believe any would do that. However, one’s likes and dislikes are revealed in many ways. You don’t have to say you hate math; people know. You tell them and tell them and tell them in oh so many ways. Children pick it up easily, then follow their teacher-idols to the same conclusion.

And no, I do not hate math. It was my first love academically thanks to Mr. McKone, my grade 6 teacher. He was the exception to the rule.