10 Ways to Help Your Child Build a Love for Mathematics

$10 Ways to Help Your Child Build a Love for Mathematics$

Math is an essential subject that plays a crucial role in our daily lives and even though many kids don’t like numbers we want to share our best 10 ways to help your child build a love for mathematics.

From determining the amount to leave for a tip at a restaurant to figuring out the time you need to wake up daily in order to get to work on time, math is everywhere. However, many kids struggle with math and some even dislike it. Have you ever wondered why this is the case?

One of the main reasons kids don’t love math is that it can be perceived as boring and difficult but we want to share the ways to help your child build a love of mathematics.

For many children, math is just a series of numbers and formulas to memorize, without any real-world relevance. This can make math seem like an abstract and uninteresting subject.

Another reason kids may struggle with math is the lack of solid foundation in basic math concepts. Math is a subject that builds on previous knowledge, so if a child struggles with basic arithmetic, they may find it challenging to progress to more advanced topics.

Moreover, children have different learning styles and would benefit from experiencing different ways to practice concepts at home.

Using a variety of strategies as a means to practice, can ignite a student’s interest in the topic and keep them engaged and excited about the learning says Andrea Goddard, Director of Curriculum and Academics at Legends of Learning.

Here are 10 Ways to Help Your Child Build a Love of Mathematics

You can make math fun and engaging by connecting math concepts to games, puzzles, and challenges. Play games with your family such as Yahtzee or teach your child the basics of Sudoku puzzles to make family nights filled with fun.
Your child should be shown how math is relevant to their daily lives, and how they can apply it. During the course of one day, keep a record of all the math you use to help you get through the day. When cooking, measuring ingredients, and dealing with finances, for instance, it is important to understand the concept of math. The awareness of the necessity for students to learn math can make them more interested in learning it.
Encourage your child to freely explore and experiment in a secure environment where they can make errors and gain knowledge without fear of criticism or judgment. You can guide your child to brainstorm alternative solutions to a math problem. Those who possess a profound comprehension of mathematics can approach the same problem using various methods.
Nurture your child’s innate inquisitiveness by posing open-ended questions that challenge them to engage in critical and imaginative thinking. Once you have asked your child to use a different approach to solve the same problem, ask which method is the most efficient way to solve this particular problem. The answer to this question should be different based on the problem.
Celebrate progress and achievements no matter how small they seem. This can help your child build confidence and motivation. It is more beneficial to emphasize the journey rather than the outcome.
Provide a variety of resources and tools such as books, apps, and online resources to make learning math more accessible and engaging. You might want to explore the Awakening game, where your child will learn math through experience and play.
Connect math to your child’s interests and hobbies in order to make the subject more engaging. For example, if your child loves sports, you can use statistics and measurements to teach math concepts. By utilizing real-world examples that align with your child’s interests, you can foster curiosity and motivation towards learning math.
It is essential to maintain an encouraging and patient demeanor while doing math with your child. Avoid creating a negative attitude towards math by emphasizing the benefits of learning and the way it can be applied in daily life. Make the learning experience enjoyable by incorporating hands-on activities that allow your child to explore and discover math concepts. By demonstrating a positive attitude and a willingness to learn you can model a growth mindset for your child, encouraging them to approach math with an open and curious mindset. This can promote a love for learning and a lifelong passion for mathematics. Remember that each child learns at their own pace, so remain patient and supportive, providing guidance and encouragement along the way.
Collaborative learning is an effective way to reinforce math concepts while building valuable social skills. Encouraging your child to work with others on math projects or problems can provide an opportunity to learn from peers, share ideas, and solve problems together. This approach can foster teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills which are essential for success in academics and life beyond the classroom. Collaborating with others can also help your child view math as a social activity rather than a solitary one, making it more enjoyable and motivating. By working together, your child can gain a deeper understanding of math concepts and develop confidence in their abilities to tackle complex math problems. Encourage your child to form study groups or join math clubs to cultivate a collaborative learning environment that reinforce math skills and fosters social growth.
As a parent, modeling a positive attitude toward math is crucial for your child’s academic success and overall mindset towards learning. Show your child how you use math in your daily life to help them see practical applications in the world around them. Additionally, talking about your enjoyment of learning new ways to solve math problems can foster a growth mindset in your child. This can encourage them to embrace challenges, persist through difficulties, and view mistakes as opportunities for growth. By modeling a positive attitude towards math and emphasizing its importance in daily life, you can inspire your child to approach the subject with a curious and confident mindset.

By making math fun and engaging, helping your child build a strong foundation in basic math concepts, and modeling a positive attitude towards math, parents can help children develop an interest in math and pave the way for a successful future.

With 30 years of experience in public education, Andrea Goddard, is now serving as the Director of Curriculum and Academics at Legends of Learning. Her mission is to engage students in meaningful learning experiences. She is delighted to share 10 Ways to Help Your Child Build a Love for Mathematics.