Sometimes, it could be a mental block.

When I was in 5th grade, a classmate (Joe) answered that New Mexico was the capital of Mexico. He did so on a following quiz, after which the teacher corrected him in class for a second time. He got the same question wrong by answering "New Mexico" on a test a week later. The funny thing was that in the middle of the test, the teacher announced, "Joe, the capital of Mexico is NOT New Mexico."

I'm not even smarter than a 4th Grader .

My son needed help with his homework in Algebra II. I told him I did pretty well in that class, but when I looked at his books and the assignment, nothing looked remotely familiar. I had to walk away with a stupid look on my face.

Don't feel bad Kly. Both my girls had Algebra in Middle school. I NEVER had to take Algebra in high school AND in Business School I had to take only accounting and business math classes. So, I know NOTHING about Algebra. Mom's help with any math homework was out of the question way back when.

That being said, I am so glad,because I find it so extremely complicated and USELESS. Neither of my kids have ever had any use for it either after being forced to take it.

I've seen kids in middle school who can't add or subtract. The last thing they need is Algebra. But then that's my opinion.

TIS

Unfortunately those stupid kids learn how to multiply, though.

Been there,done that

Frequently

Another precious gem from that inexhaustable mine of wit.