8 Ways To Make Kids Fall In Love With Math

Most of us have feared mathematics. The subject haunted us as kids. We don’t want our kids to live in the same fear, do we? Experts say that kids start understanding numbers as early as 3 years. It is important to ensure that we don’t communicate our fear to the kids. Phobia of mathematics is contagious. Once kids start fearing math, it is hard to get rid of it. How can we avoid this? Let’s find out!

Show Confidence About Numbers

Never let your child know about your dislike for mathematics. It might create a dislike in your child that never existed. Exhibit confidence with numbers. Your child will build his/her confidence from you. Just like fear, confidence is contagious too. Give your child the confidence that it is no big deal. Let them see that numbers are easy to tackle. When a kid’s approach towards math is positive, the scope of dislike or fear reduces largely.

Teach Application

Mathematics becomes interesting when applied practically. The grasping power is also enhanced because of practical application. Teach counting at the grocery store. For instance, ask your child to put a certain number of tomatoes in the basket. Time taken to travel from point A to B is easy to learn during everyday car rides. A toy store is also a good place to teach math. Ask your little one how much it costs to buy a toy he/she likes.

Know The New Learning Standards

Numbers may be the same but the teaching techniques have changed. It is always nice to get acquainted with the modern-day techniques used for different age groups. It will help you assist your kid in learning faster. Learn the quick tips yourself then show the kids how to apply them. Today, there is a lot of information online that will take you through the current trends of learning math. The information is grade-specific so you can choose according to your child’s age and grade.

Check Progress

Teaching tricks to get good at math is not enough. Kids need the motivation to continue on the path you have carved for them. Keep a check on what your kid is learning and how far he/she has come in the process. Speak to the teacher about methods being used to simplify mathematics. Follow the same pattern at home for consistency. Spend study time with your child so you can identify obstacles. Knowing where your child is getting stuck, can help you focus on the area of concern and improve it.

Remove Distractions

At least initially, a child needs to pay undivided attention to math work. Ensure you choose a time when distractions are minimal. Choosing the right place to study is equally important. It is easier to make a child fall in love with math when he/she can progress. To achieve this, the atmosphere should be ideal. It should be one that facilitates the best concentration.  

Teach As You Play

Mathematics need not be learnt academically alone. There are many engaging methods you can use to create interest in that subject. Games are the best means to achieve excellence in math. Chess, dominoes, cribbage, checkers, Set, Monopoly, Yahtzee and Backgammon are some interesting options you can choose from. These games put real-life situations before kids so they can explore the world of numbers almost practically. This is the best way of removing the phobia of numbers. It will not just remove the phobia, but make kids look forward to numbers.

Read Books That Focus On Mathematics

Unlike earlier days, today’s kids have access to innovative ways of acquiring knowledge. This is most helpful for a subject like mathematics, which comes with a million fears attached to it. Children no longer have to stick to the monotonous way of learning math. They have stories that can make them enjoy numbers. Stories, where characters are seen solving math problems, is the contemporary way of learning the subject. It is an interdisciplinary approach to education. The method came into existence after realizing that 45 minutes of a class per day is not enough for any subject. One Hundred Hungry Ants by Ellinor J. Pinczes, The King’s Commissioners by Aileen Friedman and Socrates and the Three Little Pigs by Tuyosi Mori are some of the books that your child might enjoy.

Keep The Math Practice Going

Who says math must be learnt only in the classroom or at homework time? Change your way of asking questions and you can teach mathematics anywhere you like. Use riddles to stimulate your kid’s mind. Make it fun to solve the puzzle. You could ask these riddles at any time. An elevator ride, waiting room or grocery shop are all opportunities you can use.

Try The Rubik’s Cube or Jigsaw Puzzle

Have you tried the Rubik’s cube or the jigsaw puzzle? The expert opinion emphasizes the effect of fitting or rotating objects on developing minds. These kinds of objects stimulate the reasoning area of the brain. As a result, a child’s mathematical skills are enhanced.

With these simple tricks, you will see how mathematics becomes your child’s favourite subjects. All you need is a little time and some patience. The methods can make your child enjoy math like never before.