Mathematics appears very challenging for a lot of kids because they probably don’t understand how to find their way around it. They feel it is too technical. That bores and overwhelms them. Really, Math is not as difficult as they perceive it to be. If they get little help from parents especially, they will perform exceptionally well.
So, are you a parent and the thought of helping your kids to be excellent at mathematics is weighing you down and giving you sleepless night? Not to worry, a careful study and application of the strategies below will make you sing a new song. Have a look!
To start with, it is important that as a parent, you start engaging the mathematics teacher for the curriculum. Going through the curriculum before the start of the new school session will go a long way in building the mathematical foundation for your kids and, in turn, prepare them ahead for bigger and tougher concepts. Remember, the foundation is key to the students’ understanding and enjoyment of mathematics; so, start early with them!
In addition, familiarizing yourself with the school’s textbook will help guide your thought process. Really, you don’t want to confuse your kids by using a different textbook that may be different with what they will be taught in school. Therefore, it is expedient that you use the appropriate textbook recommended and used by the school to ensure that what your kids are being taught at home syncs with the school’s Math curriculum.
Also, you need to create time to help your kids in doing their home works and regularly, solve some practice questions with them. As per general knowledge, Math isn’t a subject where people excel at it just by mere memorization; it is one that requires a frequent practice of mathematical principles. So, as a parent, make efforts to teach your kids before they even go to school. Besides, you should have an in-depth knowledge before you attempt to teach your kids, as you can’t possibly give what you don’t have. So, endeavor to do a personal learning of the subject matter and gather the right methods by studying from the textbook, YouTube, videos and of course, Khan Academy.
Similarly, in teaching your child Math, it is important that you know the area your child is having a bit of challenge with and strive to help them improve. Does your child still lag in mastering basic number facts like simple proportions, additions, subtractions, multiplication table etc.? If yes, you need to take it easy on the child and start from the foundation because, without that knowledge, they won’t be able to solve more complex mathematical concepts. Don’t be too hard on yourself or the child; it is a one step at a time!
Plus, as a parent, you must exhibit a positive attitude toward Math for your child to emulate. To be honest, when you openly declare that you hate Math and you are not good at it, you play on the psychology of your children. That way, they will make the same declaration at the slightest encounter of any obstacle with Math.
You’re an amazing parent and you need to understand that Math is a process. Endeavor to walk through that process along with your child, use worked examples like the Math problems on hand to solve difficult mathematical problems and don’t spend much time with a child on a Math problem that neither you nor child can solve. You really don’t want to get both parties frustrated.
And, be sure to use a method different from the one the teacher uses in class to teach your child. Add some interesting effects to it, too, play games that involve mathematical reasoning with your child. An example of such games that motivate mathematical thinking is chess.
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