The file above is a chart (pasted into Microsoft Word, alternatively you can click the picture below) that shows the differences in topics covered in math throughout the world. Really, it’s just a comparison of math topics covered in the US and in countries where math seems to come second nature to students.
What’s striking is how MANY topics we cover each year in the US and how much overlap there is between grades. In Flemish Belgium, for example, 3 topics are covered in first grade as compared to the 14 that are covered by US first grade teachers. How is it possible to completely cover 14 topics a year? It’s not possible. The chart explains a lot.
