Math Help!

Math has never been my favorite subject but if taught probably is easy for me to do.  I am working this year with a first grader for my service learning hours.  Her weakness right now is math.  We go over her homework then do different activities to make sure she is grasping the concepts being in taught in school.  Which made me think how much does a "bad" teacher affect our lives.  For example,  math is something that will follow us for the rest of our lives.  If a student lacks an understanding and drive to learn math will they become at a disadvantage for the rest of their lives.  What do you think?

Math in first grade is very easy.  Adding, Subtracting, Grouping and so on and so forth.  Yet without these fundamental concepts it is nearly impossible to continue learning new ideas in math.  What do you think are useful tools to help younger students learn to grasp the concepts of adding, subtracting and grouping?  Your feedback is appreciated.

Power Point vs. Prezi

There are many ways to display information in the classroom in this tech savvy age.  Most people are use to seeing powerpoint in the classroom to display information slide by slide.  But now there are so many different programs that allow you to do the same.  The one I will be examining is Prezi.  Prezi is an internet based program that allows you to make moving shows of information that can zoom in and go in a pattern.  Prezi uses the same concept of power point in an upgraded form of motion and engagement.  Look into it.  Prezi is free for all and can be easily accessed from the internet by typing Prezi into google.com.  So as an educator which would you use?  Do you think it matters?  I do.  I feel that anything that you can use to grab and hold the audiences attention is something worth using.  The only downfall I feel to Prezi is that is more time consuming.  What do you think?