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!

It was, kcab. Thanks!

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-)

Yes, I bookmarked it, I like it alot too! I sent a link to my husband on peasant multiplication and asked him to check it out for DD8.

Meh, go for it, kcab. RE all over the place! I'm feeling exceptionally supportive today.

:p

I stumbled across this free math course from Annenberg Media for high school teachers and adult learners, and I fell in love. It looks incredibly interesting to me, so I thought I'd share.

I plan to use it myself this summer to learn more about the history of math and how to think math instead of "plugging and chugging," and then hopefully next year I can teach DS6 from what I've learned.

http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/mathilluminated/about/

Glad you like it. I'm still exploring the rest of the Annenberg site, but it seems like loads of good stuff!

Thanks for sharing! I bookmarked it as well!