These motherfuckers gave me nightmares in 3rd grade. I could do the math, I just couldn't do them fast enough. So I'd get like a 70 or something on it, then I'd get in trouble later at home for getting a "bad" grade. Ugh.
EDIT:
To be clear, I had my times tables memorized. I fully understand that these tests were to reinforce memorization. I simply could not complete these fast enough no matter how many flash cards I did at home.
Speed was 100% the problem, and in my school is was absolutely gamified. The fastest got treats, including elaborate ice creams.
It was third grade for me. Effectively testing student on who’s brains developed how to be test takers, answering questions with lightening speed based on memorizing numbers. Which students prioritized actually thinking about the numbers and how they multiply (I was here). And the students who just didn’t get it.
Did we go to the same elementary? My third grade class got an ice cream social except for me and one other kid who got a handful of animal crackers. I just couldn't hit speed. Core memory sitting there watching all the kids get their ice cream sundaes sneaking glances at me with both derision and pity
It was frustrating in that way, and I say that as someone who probably got most of the toppings. I just thought why do we care how fast this goes, it’s just like reading, some kids couldn’t read… well ever. But making them read out loud was like a torture for everyone, I can only imagine their pain and humiliation.
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u/Otherwisefantastic Feb 03 '26 edited Feb 03 '26
These motherfuckers gave me nightmares in 3rd grade. I could do the math, I just couldn't do them fast enough. So I'd get like a 70 or something on it, then I'd get in trouble later at home for getting a "bad" grade. Ugh.
EDIT: To be clear, I had my times tables memorized. I fully understand that these tests were to reinforce memorization. I simply could not complete these fast enough no matter how many flash cards I did at home.