Some people like Math. Some don’t. I can’t say I like it. I can’t say I hate it. I just don’t consider it my expertise. Nonetheless, I didn’t struggle with it when I was in school. I would have to credit my high school math teacher for that.
He gave super easy tips to survive math. According to him, we just had to memorize and to practice. For him, to practice meant writing down everything. Be it a formula or a solution, he wanted us to write down everything. It worked for me. I took his tips to college and survived math.
Now, I’m slowly introducing the same tips to my child. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not gearing my daughter to be a math wizard. If she grows up to be one, it’s a bonus.
I’m going to be combining those two tips with these 6 child-friendly activities I learned from Themeasuredmom.com. I have a good feeling that it’s going to work out just fine.
6. Pointing Out Math In Everyday Activities
The earlier kids realize that math is evident in everyday activities, the better. At an early, they will realize that math is part of life. They won’t fear it. Taking out the fear factor in learning makes a huge difference.
Hence, it is the reason why I believe that pointing out the math in everyday activities can slowly help a child understand, if not, appreciate math.
There’s a lot of learning opportunities in math on the road. The glaring speed limit signs on the road are great for introducing two-digit or sometimes, three-digit numbers.
It also wouldn’t hurt if my daughter is introduced to the concept of the speed limit on the road. I think relating the concept of numbers to speed is not just pretty cool. It’s useful and practical.
5. Cooking Together
Cooking together is not just a great way to introduce the simple concepts of math. It’s also a magical way to bond with my daughter.
Sure, I can see a mess in the making but what the heck! If it’s going to encourage my daughter to make a mess and at the same time, learn a couple of math concepts such as measuring and portioning, then it’s worth a try.
For memory retention, I could ask her simple questions about the recipe. Questions like, how many eggs we put in or how much water was needed to make yummy pancakes are going to help a lot.
4. Playing Math Board Games
I think playing math board games is a fantastic way to introduce simple concepts such as counting and shape identification. It’s also a great way for my daughter to practice simple math concepts as she plays and enjoys the game.
Of course, it’s not that easy to get any child to sit through a board game. Your child might even change the rules of the game.
I think it’s just a matter of finding the right math board game. For my kid, I am looking to play more board games such as Trouble and Sorry.
3. Reading Math Books
Reading math books not only nurtures the love for reading, but it also opens the door to the wonderful world of numbers, shapes, and simple logical thinking.
According to Whatdowedoallday.com, the following math books are great for babies and toddlers.
These books are Counting Kisses: A Kiss & Read Book by Karen Katz, Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang, Toddler Two by Anastasia Suen, Doggies by Sandra Boynton, Black & White by Tana Hoban, Spots and Dots by Chez Pitchall, Higher! Higher! by Leslie Patricelli, Bright Baby Touch & Feel by Roger Priddy, My Very First Book of Shapes by Eric Carle, and Big Little by Leslie Patricelli.
Considering the long list of math books available out there, I’m not going to run out of materials to read out to my daughter.
2. Doing Simple Math Activities
While math can be introduced and taught through everyday activities, it can be strengthened by simple structured activities. Going over a couple of math activities on worksheets is one good example. This is also the part where I can instill in my daughter the habit of practicing math.
Of course, practicing math is not just limited to worksheets. As parents, we have to take some time to sit with our young kids to go through some math activities such as counting, measuring objects, and identifying shapes.
The precious time we put in it can help spark the interest in math.
1. Playing With Puzzles And Building Toys
This is good news for all moms out there who incessantly complain about the mess their kids make. Who hasn’t complained about Lego pieces lying all over the floor? I know I have.
As I have said, here’s some good news for moms who complain about building toys such as Lego. It’s time to stop complaining and to start welcoming the mess.
According to research, playing with building blocks such as Lego can help a young child do well in math. The time young children spend on playing with building blocks can help determine how well they’ll do in math throughout their school years.
If that’s not a good reason to keep those building blocks lying on the floor, then I don’t know what is.
Math need not be a scary subject. If we can help our kids appreciate it in their early years, they’ll enjoy learning more of it when they get to school.