Is your child showing signs of interest in mathematics? Could it be the other way around where your kid needs more encouragement in learning arithmetic? Would you like to know how to boost your child’s interest or skills in numeracy?
Then fret no more, as we have compiled a list of things that you can do to inspire and motivate your child to embrace mathematics. Read on and find out how you can help your little one to sharpen his or her skills in numbers.
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Some children have the natural ability to comprehend numbers. They can easily grasp concepts behind mathematical equations and excel in numeracy skills.
While some are born to be math geniuses, others may not be as naturally inclined toward numbers and figures. It could be that their interest and proficiencies lie elsewhere or they are not just motivated enough to pour time and energy into learning arithmetic.
Some whiz kids may argue that they won’t need help or additional instruction in mathematics. However, as a parent or guardian, it would be wise not to fall for this trap. Sure, having an inherent knack for numbers may be a boon, but without practice and proper guidance, that skill can get rusty or even go to waste.
Similarly, kids who do not have a natural inclination for numbers may feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the subject. This should not stop you from encouraging them to try their hand at arithmetic, as they can discover that it can be as fun and interesting as other topics that they are inherently drawn to.
Whether your child falls into the math wizard category or into the group that needs a little more push, you can certainly help in boosting your child’s mathematical skills.
Just as one needs the practice to improve their skills in playing the guitar or in performing a dance routine, learning and enjoying mathematics will also require time, effort, and a dose of healthy encouragement.
When you want your child to develop a love for math or improve his or her skills, here are some steps that you can do to usher them along their journey of discovery:
1. Enroll them in a math learning course
One of the best things that you can do to develop and enhance your child’s skills in mathematics is to enroll him or her in a math course.
Aside from the lessons they already have in school, it would do your child a lot of good if he or she can get supplemental math classes from academic learning centers. There are reputable learning institutions that teach kids of all ages the basics of arithmetic. There are also advanced courses depending on their age or grade level.
Kids will benefit from certified math instructors and field study experts who can give either a one-on-one lesson or a group class. There are also some academic centers that offer online lessons for those who do not have the time or the inclination to get out of their house.
2. Let them join math camps or webinars
Another excellent way to boost your child’s mathematical skills is to let him or her join math camps or webinars. There are highly-regarded academic centers that also offer these learning opportunities.
Learning math can be made more fun especially when it’s done outside the classroom. Math camps provide a different venue for kids to discover the wonderful world of numbers. Let them enroll in the online study portals where they can learn important math exercises such as surface area of a cylinder, algebra, and geometry
These camps also give children the opportunity to meet other math enthusiasts and cultivate camaraderie with others. It’s also a fantastic way to put the concepts they learned to practice with hands-on activities.
Webinars are also becoming a popular medium for teaching and sharing mathematical knowledge. Online instruction is gaining traction, especially now that the global COVID-19 pandemic struck and people are compelled to stay home. This mode of imparting knowledge allows children to learn and improve their numeracy skills in the comforts of their home and at a schedule that is most convenient for them.
3. Explain the everyday uses of mathematics
If you want your kids to have more interest in math or to continue improving their skills in the subject, then it is important that they develop an appreciation for its advantages.
Try to explain and show how math can be used in a wide array of applications such as in telling time, counting money, or even when measuring ingredients used in baking or cooking. You can also show them the many industries that make good use of mathematics like in accounting, engineering, the different sciences, or even its application in the arts.
You can drive home the importance of maths in daily life by going on field trips to places like math and science museums, train stations, factories, and other spots where math plays a significant role. By seeing how it can be applied to their everyday lives, they may become more motivated to do their numbers and improve their math skills.
4. Practice writing numbers and review their vocabulary
Mathematics also teaches children skills other than numeracy. It can also teach them to improve their writing skills as well as their vocabulary. To make math more interesting, you can play a game that involves shapes. Writing on graph paper or tracing letters can also improve their writing abilities.
Mathematical word problems also enhance their analytical and vocabulary skills. You can give your child exercises where situations can be solved using their math prowess. Charts, graphs, and math vocabulary tests can also help improve your child’s proficiency in mathematics.
5. Help them reduce their dependence on electronic gadgets
These days, children are getting used to using their electronic gadgets for almost everything. Not only are kids getting glued to these screens, but they also risk becoming dependent on these gizmos.
Some kids use a calculator, a smartphone, or a tablet they’re using to help them solve mathematical problems. Try to avoid having them use these tools when doing their math exercises to encourage independent thinking and problem-solving. Doing the four basic mathematical operations in their heads can be good practice to sharpen their math skills.
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Provide Support and Encouragement
Perhaps the most crucial component in the development of their mathematical abilities is your support and encouragement. If your kid is having difficulty in understanding concepts, try to provide a helping hand in explaining and showing how it can be done.
Remember that children learn at their own pace. Avoid solving the problems yourself though, as they will never learn unless they practice doing it themselves. Just be a gentle, guiding voice that will help lead the way to a solution.
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