Don't Laugh--That's Math

Many times I've heard a parent say,

"I can help my child in any way,

But don't laugh--

I can't do math."

I think for a minute before I say,

"Let's look at this another way.

Have you ever said, 'Wait a minute; 

Here's a box with four things in it,'

'Let's take turns; you first, then me.'

Helped your child count branches on a tree?

Then you're on the right path.

Don't laugh--that's math!"

Have you ever taught your child left and right?

Counted her toes in bed at night?

Repeated his favorite nursery rhyme?

Said good night just one more time?

Have you ever split a cookie right in half?

Formed a pattern on a snowy path?

Well, don't laugh--that's math!

Have you ever played a game?

Measured for a picture frame?

Have you cut chains for your Christmas tree?

Noticed a butterfly's wings have symmetry?

Did you ever check the miles into town?

Have you counted stairs both up and down?

Did you ever measure to see how tall?

Find the weight of a favorite doll?

Well, don't laugh--that's math!

Math can be seen in everything,

Even in the songs we sing.

Math isn't just adding and subtracting.

Multiplying, dividing, or even protracting.

Math exists all around us;

We didn't find it--it found us!

Now remember, when my little poem is done,

It if has given you a small fraction of fun,

Don't laugh--that's math!

~Judith A. Zaino