Little kids normally love to count, sort, solve puzzles and discover different patterns. It is only when these fun activities get defined “maths” with the doses of addition, subtraction, long division, and fraction where the children lose their confidence and interest. It is important for the kids to be math savvy and don’t get turned off by the subject. For that we need to find ways to make it fun.
With the existing long list that parents are already struggling with amidst the covid-1 pandemic and lockdown, one most difficult task is that of teaching maths. Most of the parents are not math teachers, nor can they replicate what is taught in the classroom unless they are educators. Mastering the calculus is the not the goal in the lockdown but to have parents represent a positive mindset towards maths by incorporating fun activities in the child’s day at home.
Mathematics and its applications are one of the most important subjects in school’s education. Most of the students face difficulty in understanding the concepts. Parents can use this time wisely to instill a positive approach to understanding and enjoying the subject. Here’s all you need to know from the expert Manisha Singh (ZCAS & Pre School Coordinator, zamit).
STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE MATH SKILLS
- Go on a (make believe) spending spree where the child gets to circle thing is, he or she like to buy in catalogs. The challenge would be for the child to remove items from his or her wish list to get below Rs 1000. Give it a try!
- Set up a pretend store which helps boost the child’s money skills. Give her a budget and some real money to “spend”. Set prices and challenge her to stay within budget. When done change places and let her be the cashier
- Kitchen tools provide a great opportunity to teach the child abstract concepts in math. Use the measuring cup to explain fractions
- Use the clock in the house to get the child involved in addition and subtraction
- Play cards and use dice to explore the child’s arithmetic skills
- Use household items such as paper, toothpicks, straws, paper to construct shapes
- Use cash memos and receipts to teach your child about estimation
- Read books with mathematical themes
- Be positive and try to encourage your child by reminding him of all-important things maths is used for. From winning in board games to cool careers such as astronauts, video game programmer, scientist’s, and race car drivers where math formulas are used every day
- Weekly allowance helps the child manage money. He can make a ledger to record his income and expenses. If he wants to borrow from you help him calculate the interest as well
- Encourage, and praise their effort whenever they are successful in a task. This helps build self- esteem in the child
- Take your child’s Interests into account. Math is related to just about every interest. Whether your child is into computers, fashion or even building. All these interests require, calculating costs, coding, building complex structures
- Integrate math into fun activities like baking, or a car ride where you have him calculate the km or even in sports where he calculates the batting scores
- Encourage mental maths
Children are used to a fixed routine so chalk out a daily plan to prevent the lockdown from obstructing their schedule and create a dedicated space for learning. By applying the mentioned strategies during lockdown, math will no longer be an intimidating subject for the children instead a fun and happy learning experience!
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