Classifying the problem as a religious belief is nonsense? It is a story and not a belief.
I don't know what the math teacher is trying to get across but isn't it much simpler to start with rote recitations? Every kid should learn to multiply through 12 first. e.g. 2x2=4 etc. As they can accomplish that the teacher can very easily fill in the values. 3x2 or 2+2+2 = 6...multiplication is a form of addition. Like terms only?
Whether it's fish or fowl can also be added in later?
