Correct answers are important, but as children explain their thinking, they often discover and correct their own mistakes. Charlotte Mason emphasized that children should approach mathematics with the understanding that certain truths are immutable, like the certainty of basic arithmetic. W.W. Sawyer added that a good teacher should avoid simply saying “no, that’s wrong” and instead focus on uncovering the correct idea behind a child’s explanation. Effective teaching encourages children to deeply engage with their math problems and develop the ability to focus steadily, a skill Charlotte Mason linked to success in life.
Charlotte Mason Math: Practical Tips for a Living Math Education
