56. Math is Fun, Math is Fun...

Thousand Full Moon: Indumati Sathaye (82+)

Contributed By: Rohini Abhyankar

I went to see Indumati in the late afternoon at her Pune residence. She was wearing comfortable cotton clothing and her hair was tied in a ponytail. A walking cane rested besides her. She shares the apartment with her daughter’s mother-in-law. Both the elderly ladies are looked after by their children and a live-in care taker.

Our conversation began by Indumati talking to me at length about her childhood, her father and how he was loved and respected by his co-workers and the people who availed his veterinary services. Then she turned to her own life and here is what I learnt:

 Indumati completed her college education after her marriage. She attended S.P. College as a science student for first two years and then switched to humanities and went on to earn B. A, B. Ed, and M. Ed degrees. She worked as a teacher for 20 years. In 1983 she was sponsored by her daughter and decided to move to the United States of America. After getting her degrees evaluated by the right authorities she got a job as a school teacher in Philadelphia.

It so happened that the principal of the school that Indumati worked at would constantly keep an eye on Indumati’s class. Always did her rounds when Indumati was teaching. She probably was a little skeptical about this lady from India. The principal would not let up. Initially Indumati did not mind this at all. But as time went on She wanted these rounds to stop. She somehow wanted to assure the principal that she was a competent experienced teacher.  After giving the situation a lot of thought Indumati resorted to poetry! She composed the following poem and presented it to the school principal. It worked like a charm and the principal stopped her rounds of Indumati’s class room.

Here Is her poem…enjoy!

           Math Song

                                                     Math is fun, Math is fun,

It is easy to study and learn

Math is fun, Math is fun

Add, Subtract, Multiply and divide guys,

These basic skills will make you wise

If you don’t think about your future

You will be a dumb creature!

What’s the use of education?

Schooling and taking examinations?

Math is fun, Math is fun,

It is easy to study and learn

 

If you don’t understand

Raise your hand

But do not stand

Or start talking with your friends

You know what makes talking…talking

Talking makes every teacher shaking…

Math is fun, Math is fun,

It is easy to study and learn

 

You know what you do in Math?

When you multiply you forget to carry,

And when you carry

You forget to add

That makes teachers mad.

When you divide and forget to subtract

That makes you flat.

But if sometimes you fall,

Do not feel so small,

Concentrate and try,

But do not cry,

When teacher explains

Pay attention

And do multiplication.

Math is fun, Math is fun,

It is easy to study and learn

In your life Math is every where

In the kitchen, shopping center or elsewhere

You see signs 20% off price

You cannot figure it and that’s not nice.

Teacher…Teacher…Teacher…Teacher

She is the care taker of the future

Discipline and Motivation,

Encouragement and stimulation,

Enthusiasm and cooperation,

With all these features

a teacher ensures your future.

Math is fun, Math is fun,

It is easy to study and learn

Math is fun, Math is fun,