Many students struggle to learn math. Yet, understanding math is an essential element in building future thinking skills. If your child is struggling, there’s good news. This train can be turned around!
From a young age, children learn by interaction and playing. By getting involved and making math fun, you’ll go a long way into helping your child build those math muscles!
Play a variety of math games. Even pre-k, there are plenty of ways to incorporate math play. For example, sorting specific color or shape items and then counting them and adding them together or taking some away.
There are also numerous board games for your hands-on children. Chutes and Ladders, Sorry!, Trouble, and card games like War can help grow math skills in a fun, engaging, and relationship building way. Monopoly can help develop money awareness not only in addition but subtraction too.
Don’t forget there are a large number of online resources your child may enjoy. Just watch the amount of computer time they are getting. Nothing beats real-life learning for youngsters!
Use math in real life. Grocery store math is a relatable way to help build your child’s math skills. Activities can range from simple counting to more complex calculations such as percentages and finding the best deals between brands. For example, take your older child into the toilet paper/paper towel aisle and ask them to find the best value per sheet. This activity will benefit you too!
Cooking is a wonderful way to work on fractions and measurements. As a bonus, you can eat what you made afterward!
Use an old school map or an online resource to work on distance.
Make averages and rankings meaningful by using baseball stats.
However you choose to do it, use those real-life teachable learning experiences as they come up. This will help ease any anxiety over math and show your child that math is practical in everyday situations and not just something they do when the book is open, or the math module is up on their computer.
What are some ways you make math meaningful in your homeschool?
Check out homeschooling resources at Rainbow Resource!
