LOL! I just snorted at the screen, 'Neato.

It is possible that what I liked about those "edu-tainment" movies is that they were movies instead of regular class. Now that I think about it, I believe we also watched them only on the last day of school. Both may have factored into my enjoyment more than a little...

LOL!!!

I'm so glad I could make you snort!

Wouldn't it be so great if their were a job available where you could be paid only to be sarcastic and glib?

I think there is. It's called "mom," isn't it?

Oh, wait, we don't get paid...

Kriston: Back to the OP:
I know I'm coming back in really late in this thread, but wondered if you'd also searched Hoagies for help with ideas for introducing those more complex topics. I've used a lot of the info on Hoagies for finding websites, books and games that address math without actually teaching it.
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/math.htm

http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/multiplication.htm

the physics link has lots of ideas that are math related:
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/physics.htm

and games are a great way to introduce new thinking:
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/smart_toys.htm

Take your time to surf around Hoagies. It truly is a goldmine.

Thanks, Debbie! I've spent a lot of time on Hoagies, but you're right that I haven't tried it since I got going on this particular issue.

Great idea!

I wanted to mention how timely this topic was, Kriston. I've been getting hit with posts about math education on my RSS reader all week. I thought this blog post by Math Mom might be of interest.

It was, kcab. Thanks!

No prob! What I really liked was the idea of specialist math teachers, seems like a really good idea for a district to try. Unfortunately, I suppose it might also be more expensive.

It does seem a shame to have math taught by people who think it's something to get through. And her point about what a good teacher can do with "Everyday Math" hit home, too.

Maybe the problem is not the "Everyday Math" curriculum, but is the fact that too many elementary ed teachers hate math.

kcab - thanks for the link to the blog!!! I've been reading for over half an hour and I really need to do laundry. 8-)