“How do I know my child is actually learning math without tests?”

I used to wonder the same thing.

This week, we had two very different math sessions—one filled with factors and prime numbers, the other focused on quadratic patterns. No tests involved. And yet, watching my kids think out loud, make connections, and work through silly mistakes told me exactly where their understanding was.

Growth in math doesn’t always come as a neat answer. It shows up in questions like:  

“Wait—is that the same as…?”  

or  

“Oh! That makes sense because…”

Those lightbulb moments matter more than getting everything “right.”

If you’re questioning whether your child is really learning math, try this today:

• Watch how they solve a problem—not just if it’s correct

• Ask them to explain something back to you in their own words

• Look for curiosity, not just completion

This kind of math—the kind that sticks—isn’t just numbers. It’s language, logic, and how we see the world.

This week, we’re building on that sense of discovery… with dogs. 🐶

Learning Bundle about Dogs

This dog-themed bundle includes videos, thinking prompts, creative writing, and a parent guide to help you turn curiosity into learning.

📺 Watch & Think Playlist (Total time: ~22 min)

👉 WATCH the PLAYLIST

Included Videos:

• 🐺How Dogs (Eventually) Became Our Best Friends (10 min)

• 🐕 Why do Dogs get Zoomies? (3 min)

• 🐶Dogs actually understand what you're saying (4 min)

💬 Would You Rather?

Fun prompts to discuss aloud or write about:

1. Would you rather discover an ancient frozen puppy like Dogor or adopt a puppy from a shelter today? Why?

2. Would you rather have a dog that understands exactly what you say or a dog that can talk back to you? Why?

3. Would you rather train a wolf to be your companion or help scientists discover how dogs were first domesticated? Why?

⚖️ One-Minute Debate Topics

Pick one and defend your opinion:

• Should dogs be considered part of the family and have legal rights similar to humans?

• Is it ethical to create new dog breeds based only on appearance rather than health or behavior?

• Should all dogs be required to pass obedience training if they live in cities? Why or why not?

🏗️ Bonus Challenge!

Spend 15 minutes watching how your own dog (or a dog at the park) behaves around people. Write down any behaviors that show the dog is trying to communicate or bond with humans.

✍️ Writing Challenge: Tell a Dog Story

Use one of these prompts to spark creativity — out loud or on paper.

Elementary:
Imagine your dog could talk for one day. What would it say and what would you do together?

Middle School:
A new law says dogs can’t go to public parks. What argument would you make to change the rule, and what is your solution?

High School:
Discuss the science behind training service dogs. What makes certain breeds better suited for helping humans?

📥 Downloads

• 📝 Elementary Writing Prompts

• 📝 Middle School Writing Prompts

• 📝 High School Writing Prompts

• 📊 Parent Evaluation Guide

💡 Tip: These prompts also work as discussion starters — no pen or printer required. Mix age levels based on your child’s energy or interest.

👋 UNTIL NEXT TIME

"The right answer is only part of the story."

This week reminded me that math doesn’t live in worksheets—it lives in wonder. In curiosity. In noticing patterns and thinking out loud.

Whether your child puzzled through a dog’s sense of smell, estimated tail wags per minute, or just asked a good question—you saw math thinking in motion.

That’s what counts.

🐾 Until next time, follow the questions—and celebrate every “aha.”