If you don't know how to multiply, you can't do 4th grade math.  Multiplication is the key.  You MUST master the facts in a timely fashion and not count on your fingers.  We have been doing Long Division for 2 weeks now and they just don't get it.  We are now at least 3 chapters behind the other schools in our district but I won't move on until they get it. 

I am back at Multiplication again.  I am going to give timed tests over and over and over until they start passing it.  Some of them are only getting about 5 problems in 5 minutes!  I am talking basic facts tests!  I have talked to the parents and the attitude is that it is my problem.  You bet it is!  My scores are going to suck if they don't get this.  I don't ever remember so many 4th graders who have counted on their fingers before.  These kids came from all over the United States and they are way behind the students who were here last year.

Parents just aren't taking responsibility for their students learning anymore. (This is a generalization.  I am teaching generalization in my reading this week.)  They think it is the teacher's job and when they leave school, they are done for the day.  They are objecting to homework now.  I don't give homework.  They only have it if they didn't finish their work in class.  But, I still get the letter that complains that Jacob spent 5 hours in the kitchen doing homework last night.  He needs time to be a little kid too!  He has the time.  He acts like a little kid all day in class.  That's why he had to do his classwork at home.

Sometimes I would just like to be able to curl up my chubby fist and say, "Multiply this...!"