Contrary to popular opinion, a natural ability in math will only get you so far in studies of the subject. Research published in Child Development found that hard work and good study habits were the most important factors in improving math ability over time. Most of us would never think that "I'm bad at reading," is a good excuse to stop taking English classes, so why is it ok, even normal, to say "I'm bad at math?”
It's important to think of math as a skill or discipline like music, dance, karate, sports, drawing, etc. And just like with any skill or discipline…practice, practice, practice! When children read more, they learn more words, become more fluent, and get better at comprehension. When children practice math more, they learn more number combinations, become more fluent, and get better at comprehending what they are computing. Math is a discipline of logical thinking, so puzzles and thinking exercises are wonderful.
For reading comprehension, students experience words before they are ever expected to read and write them. A child starts singing the alphabet song to learn the sounds, then they learn the symbols that the sounds represent. Approach math comprehension in the same way. You can sing songs, such as 1 little, 2 little, 3 little caterpillars, 4 little, 5 little…count by 2s, 5s, 10s. Count to 100 with younger kids.
For learning multiplication tables, have the child practice them the same way they would practice vocabulary words. If the child prefers to write their vocabulary or spelling words, have them write their multiplication tables. If they prefer to recite them, have them recite the tables. For older students, practice makes perfect. There is something to be said about doing similar problems with different numbers. And talk about writing legibly. If they can't read their own writing, how can the teacher?
There are numerous ways to practice math in everyday activities. Cooking and baking give your child the opportunity to measure ingredients, use fractions, addition, multiplication, and other math skills as they change recipes to fit your family, or whoever you may be cooking for. Your child can learn addition, subtraction and even percentages when watching or playing a game, looking at standings or reviewing a player's stats.
Lastly, playing games with your child can be a great way to develop their math skills in a fun way! There are so many games you can play with a deck of cards. Or you may have these popular games at home, such as Mastermind, 24, Qwirkle, Settlers of Catan, and one of our favorites, Monopoly. Playing games will help your child learn math skills and strengthen their logical thinking skills.
Remember, this does not happen overnight. It takes time and patience! Stay positive and remind yourself that you are doing great!
About Mathnasium of Montgomeryville
Mathnasium of Montgomeryville brings fun and effective supplementary math programs to children in grades 1 – 12. The learning center, located near Five Points intersection at 411 Doylestown Road, Montgomeryville, PA 18936, focuses solely on math and operates on the core belief that virtually any child can excel in the subject.
The Mathnasium Method™, implemented at more than 1,000 Mathnasium centers in the U.S. and abroad, is a unique program that provides each child with a customized learning plan and personalized local instruction in a way that makes sense to them. Mathnasium of Montgomeryville offers its program both in-center and online through Mathnasium@Home with the same great local instructors.
We proudly serve the families of Chalfont, Doylestown, Hatfield, Lansdale, New Britain, North Wales, and other areas surrounding Montgomeryville.
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