| Figures, Fractions, Signs and Symbols are | | | | geometry. This allows you to integrate math |
| part of the exciting world of mathematics. | | | | without appearing to be pressuring them to |
| Some kids dislike math with a passion and | | | | learn. |
| this sometimes has to do with one simple fact | | | | |
| - the way they have been taught. Maybe it was | | | | 4. Treat math as part of their daily lives - |
| just one bad experience in elementary school | | | | Math has practical uses and kids must |
| but somehow it served to seal their fate and | | | | understand this early on. If they get an |
| from then on math was just a bad word. | | | | allowance they will need to count their money |
| | | | and if they spend any they'll need to get the |
| How about considering these methods as we | | | | right change and understand how much is left |
| introduce our kids to the world of | | | | over. They are growing and they will love |
| mathematics: | | | | this fact. Let them fill out their own height |
| | | | chart. When they are helping you in the |
| 1. Be positive about math - Our kids like to | | | | kitchen, let them help you measure the flour |
| imitate us; if we send a negative message to | | | | to bake cookies. They can also figure out how |
| them about our own experiences they may | | | | many slices of pizza each person can get or |
| simply accept it and believe their own | | | | how many batteries must be used out of the |
| experiences will be the same. So do not groan | | | | pack. to power their toys. These are just a |
| about how much you hated math in school and | | | | few simple ideas. |
| definitely do not make flippant comments like | | | | |
| you were lucky you learned to count as that | | | | 5. Combine math with reading - There are |
| is all that you need in life. | | | | quite a few nice children's books out there |
| | | | about math and who does not like a deal. |
| 2. Treat math as exciting - Use bright | | | | Imagine it's a 2 for 1 deal you are getting, |
| objects to explain basic concepts of addition | | | | with the opportunity for your kid to enjoy |
| and subtraction. This is the nice thing about | | | | reading and math at the same time. The Sir |
| math. It opens you up to a world of | | | | Cumference series comes to mind with its |
| opportunities. I used my floor tiles to | | | | attractive illustrations and adventures. Less |
| explain the concept of area. Apples and other | | | | than Zero is another. It gives a good |
| colorful fruits can be used to demonstrate | | | | introduction to the concept of negative |
| addition and subtraction easily. Fractions | | | | numbers. Also One Hundred Hungry Ants appeals |
| are better understood when they can be | | | | to kids too. Well who doesn't love bugs? |
| visualized so use their regular picture | | | | Check out online stores where you can read |
| puzzles to explain fractions - they are | | | | reviews but remember to ensure that the |
| pieces of a whole so why not? The same thing | | | | reading level is not more advanced that |
| applies to pieces of apples and oranges. | | | | necessary to get the math concepts across. If |
| Flash cards and games also spark interest - | | | | that is the case that will just take the fun |
| some teachers/parents swear by the math smart | | | | out of it and make your children frustrated. |
| card games. Download some of the free math | | | | |
| worksheets and resources online; some are | | | | This affords me the opportunity to publicize |
| very creative. I cannot emphasize this | | | | World Maths Day which took place on the first |
| enough. The internet has a wealth of fun math | | | | Wednesday in March. There students of all |
| resources. | | | | ages from all over the world went online |
| | | | (it's free) to play mental math against each |
| 3. Treat math as part of playtime - This is | | | | other. Last year 287,000 students from 98 |
| an extension of number 2. This should alert | | | | countries participated to answer over 38 |
| you that you can take math outdoors. As you | | | | million questions. This year they hoped to |
| walk or bike outside you will notice the | | | | break 50 million questions and did so |
| house numbers on both sides of the street. | | | | magnificently answering over 150 million |
| Use this as an opportunity to explain odd and | | | | questions and I am sure they had great fun |
| even numbers. Encourage kids to count their | | | | doing it. |
| toys, such as cars, dolls, action figures, | | | | |
| Lego pieces. Purchase stimulating toys such | | | | We can help our kids to enjoy math by showing |
| as puzzles and spatial toys such as shapes | | | | them that math can be fun too. |
| and blocks to bring out that interest in | | | | |