Math Autobiography For Elementary School

Math Autobiography
Lakeacha M. Bethea-Christmas
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Math and I have always had a love-hate relationship. My initial introduction to math was very warm and inviting. I enjoyed math and thought I was a math guru. As I experienced more complex math my feelings changed. Once I was introduced to fractions, math became my enemy.
Throughout elementary school, I really enjoyed math. I had great teachers who made learning fun. I remember my second grade teacher, Mrs. Caine, took her time and taught Math until we understood everything we needed to know before assigning homework. Before our weekly math tests, she placed math problems on the chalkboard for students to work out. When we gave incorrect responses, she taught

There was something about two numbers on top of one another that did not seem natural. My teachers made me feel as comfortable as possible while in class; however, once I started my homework, things would change. It was easy to compare my answers to the odd numbered answers in the back of the book; however, that method only helped with even numbers if the problems were similar to the odd. Usually this was not the case. My mother did not know fractions, so I sat alone for hours alone doing math homework. I stopped and started so many times that I would not complete my homework until it was dark outside. Despite staying after school for tutoring, it just was not enough. I failed tests consistently. I failed Algebra in ninth grade. I had never failed a class in my life. It was all centered on fractions. It was at that moment that I realized I hated math! My hatred for math, I believe, is hating what I fear most –

For a time, I thought I had succeeded. I thought I had conquered my fear and hatred of math; however, the teaching exams involved math. As I sat for the Math Praxis on two occasions, I froze with every fraction problem I encountered. As a result, I failed both exams. I thought I had studied hard and conquered my math anxiety. Failing the Math Praxis twice actually took me back to that uncomfortable place. I am thankful for the CBEST, which gave me hope and an opportunity to qualify for my teaching license. I believe one day I will be victorious over this beast I call math. It feels like this battle is personal. I have always been a competitor who does not concede victory to fear. I still have one last battle with math and I am determined to be victorious. The Math Praxis and I will meet