'Easy Math'.  Two words that catch my attention.  Mostly because I don't believe it is true or possible for math to be easy.  This is one area that I have always struggled in and probably always will.  My brain just doesn't get it.  So, when I see these words grouped together in the NY Times, I am naturally drawn to the article.  The article focused on something called "Singapore Math", a new approach to teaching math that follows the natural progression from concrete, to pictoral, to abstract concepts. 

Singapore Math sounds very appealing to me.  In fact, I may enroll in elementary school just so that I can have the solid foundation that this approach is known for.  Reportedly, Singapore Math requires that teachers slow down and focus on individual numbers.  How refreshing!  In the education world today, I am not sure there are many, if any, disciplines that are being told to slow down.  On the contrary, most teachers are trying to figure out how to fit more information into less time and still be effective.

Math is an essential subject.  I know that, even if I can't stand it.  I would like for my children to have a better understanding of math as it relates to everyday life.  I would like for my children to have a working, useful knowledge of math so that they can apply it correctly in necessary circumstances.  I think Singapore Math may just be the way to achieve all of this.