Math Smarts

American Girl has very good advice for young girls in Math Smarts: Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Making Math More Fun! Yes, that American Girl.

One of my favorites is the Math Learning Ladder.

Math Learning Ladder

Unlike some other classes you will take, everything you learn in math builds on what you learned before. You really need to understand each math concept before you move on to the next level.

Don't Give Up!

If you're having trouble with math, look closely at what you've learned so far. It may be that all you need to do is back up and make sure you have the previous steps down pat. Sometimes you need to step back before you can move up.

American Girl's parting advice to its young audience is equally sage:

Hang in There!

Ask for help when you need it.

Practice your math facts.

Don't ever, EVER give up!

Math Smarts

American Girl Library

by Lynette Long, Ph.D.

Biography: Lynette Long, Ph.D., has more than twenty years of experience working with children and in education. She has appeared on over 200 television and radio programs, including "Good Morning America" and the "CBS Evening News". Lynette's love for dominoes comes from a childhood of playing the game with her extended family in the apartment building they shared in the South Bronx. She splits her time between homes in Maryland and Florida with her two teenagers.