[a fool in paradise]

I still was taught vocabulary and math equations with flash cards primary school.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Be that as it may my point stands. Kids need to be taught simply not with gobbledygook.

Like this.

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_26
+17
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_43
You add six and seven to get thirteen. Write down the three in the ones spot and carry the 10 to the tens spot. Add two and one to make three and the one from the ones spot to make four. Your answer is forty-three.