I've been meaning to do this post for a long time, but Deb's reunion last weekend reminded me I needed to.
One of the challenges of having a middle school aged daughter is the changes in perception about what should (and is) easy for a girl to do. Meghan has always loved Math and has been pretty good at it. Unfortunately, Math "isn't something girls do". As an computer scientist by training, I've noticed the lack of women in math, engineering and science classes as well as in industry. I've read about how girls aren't encouraged to go into these areas but didn't know who/how it was being communicated until Meghan got to middle school.
Almost overnight she seemed to think it was okay if she wasn't good at math. That is bullshit so I kept on her, but being her dad, I think she wanted to argue with me more than get my help (sound familiar anyone?)
I don't know where I first cam across this book, but I heard great things about it and ordered it for Meghan. She really likes it and now when she has an issue that she can't figure out on her own, she gets the book out.
For those who recognize the face, that is 'Winney' from the 'Wonder Years'. Yes, she is a PhD in mathematics.
The reason I thought to write this post is that at Deb's reunion one of the common comments from people we talked to with Daughters in middle school was how much they are struggling/hate math, after loving it in elementary school. I told them about this book.
I've probably recommended it to a dozen or so people, including several at work who have bought it and saw an improvement in their daughters as well.
The web site is here.
You can buy it at any bookstore or online.
1 comment:
Yet another great post! Isn't it odd that in this day and age (which happens to be 20 years after I'm sure we probably discussed it as a topic, feminist that I am) that math and science are still an issue for girls. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Women won't vote or not vote for Hillary 'cause she's a woman (a very modern concept), but they'll still fall into some of the old stereotypes of what they need to know.
We still have a looooong way to go.
Cheers to you for keepin' her going on what's important.
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