Ummm... What was the question?

Remember when I said this should be easy because the school work is 6th grade level and below? I forgot that fractions were part of 6th grade math. Addition of mixed numbers. So there I was, trying to explain to this kid that you must change both mixed numbers to improper fractions, get a common denominator, and then add, but he doesn't understand... I wasn't even sure if I understood. Well, he didn't understand MY process. So I did the whole problem my way and he did it his way. We came out with the same answer. His process was just getting a common denominator then switching the mixed number to an improper fraction. You wouldn't think that this kind of volunteer work would challenge your own education, but it does. I realized just how much I don't remember. I can remember learning things, but I couldn't tell you what exactly I learned. Like, the difference between sedimentary and igneous rocks? Nope, don't remember. So, a word of advice, don't come in here thinking you'll know absolutely everything. Don't think you're smarter than a 5th grader, because chances are, you're not.