Is this WHY kids are confused??!! Textbooks TODAY vs 1877!!

Summary

In this video, Janae compares a 19th-century arithmetic book from 1877 with a modern second-grade math textbook, exploring the historical shifts in teaching methods. She delves into the philosophy behind the changes, particularly in the 20th century, and critiques the overwhelming, abstract nature of current math education. Through a side-by-side comparison, she highlights how Ray's arithmetic book focused on mastering one concept at a time with hands-on exercises, while today’s textbook incorporates Common Core standards with abstract reasoning at an early age. Janae invites viewers to reflect on whether today’s methods are truly effective for young learners.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video compares an 1877 first and second-grade arithmetic book with a modern second-grade math book to highlight changes in teaching methods over time.
• 😀 The speaker, Janae, began homeschooling her children in 2020 after withdrawing them from public school, which led to her deeper exploration of the history of education.
• 😀 The historical shift in math education during the 20th century is linked to a deliberate change in teaching methods, as described in Charlotte Iserby’s book *The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America*.
• 😀 The 1877 arithmetic book by Joseph Ray emphasizes hands-on learning with objects like marbles or an abacus and teaches one concept thoroughly before moving on.
• 😀 In the 1877 book, math is taught through concrete exercises like counting objects, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and basic algebra—focusing on real-life applications.
• 😀 The modern math book, based on Common Core standards, includes more abstract concepts and strategies for problem-solving that may be difficult for second graders to grasp.
• 😀 The 1877 book is simple and direct, introducing math step by step and focusing on practical learning, whereas the modern book is overwhelming with abstract reasoning and lengthy problem-solving habits.
• 😀 Modern second-grade math includes advanced concepts like abstract reasoning, constructing viable arguments, and critiquing reasoning, which may be developmentally inappropriate for young children.
• 😀 The Common Core-based second-grade math book has a lot of emphasis on reasoning and abstract thinking, which is not developmentally appropriate for many children who are 7-8 years old.
• 😀 Janae expresses frustration with the modern math curriculum’s over-complication, suggesting that it confuses students rather than helping them learn math effectively.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The video aims to compare how arithmetic was taught in 1877 versus how it is taught to second graders today, encouraging viewers to decide whether modern changes have improved or weakened math education.

Who is the presenter and what is her background?

The presenter is Janae, a former public school teacher who began homeschooling her children in 2020 and now runs a homeschool-focused YouTube channel.

What historical source does the presenter use to explain changes in education?

She references the book "The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America" by , a former senior policy adviser at the U.S. Department of Education.

What claim is made about a 1928 meeting involving education leaders?

According to the quoted account, education leaders discussed creating a form of math that students could not easily apply to real life, which was presented as an intentional shift away from practical arithmetic.

Which 19th-century math book is analyzed, and who wrote it?

The video examines "Ray’s New Primary Arithmetic," written by , a teacher and professor who developed arithmetic textbooks for young students.

How was arithmetic taught in the 1877 textbook?

Arithmetic was taught sequentially and concretely, starting with counting real objects, then progressing through addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, word problems, and basic measurements.

What teaching principles does the 1877 book emphasize?

It emphasizes mastering one concept at a time, using real-world objects, oral exercises, student-generated examples, and thorough understanding before moving on.

How does the modern second-grade math curriculum differ in structure?

The modern curriculum is divided into two large volumes, written by many authors, and includes extensive standards, strategies, explanations, projects, and worksheets alongside arithmetic.

What role do Common Core standards play in the modern textbook?

The book closely follows , emphasizing problem-solving behaviors, abstract reasoning, and explanation of thinking, even at the second-grade level.

Why does the presenter criticize abstract reasoning requirements for second graders?

She argues that many children are not developmentally ready for abstract thinking at that age, which can lead to confusion rather than understanding.

What specific example shows early algebra in the 1877 book?

One example asks how many pineapples at 10 cents each are needed to pay for five peaches at 6 cents each, introducing algebraic thinking through practical word problems.

What overall conclusion does the presenter suggest?

She suggests that older arithmetic methods were clearer, more focused, and more effective, while modern math instruction may overwhelm students and hinder mastery of basic arithmetic skills.