Math at Home
Many children are frightened of mathematics and this is very sad because mathematics can be extremely exciting and interesting. Do you like Mathematics or are you frightened by simple calculations? Can you work out simple arithmetic problems in your head? Do you foster in your child a love of mathematics and mathematical problem-solving?
Math learning is great fun at home. You don’t need specialized resources. Everything you need is in your home at this moment. You need enthusiasm and a creative mind to find math opportunities.
Mathematics is an exciting part of our world. There is barely an hour goes by in our day when we are not calculating or measuring or estimating something. It is a wonderful talent to be able to calculate quickly and accurately.
Every day we are calculating. Just think about it. From the moment your alarm goes you are estimating the time required to complete breakfast and get to work. You check the thermometer to see how cold or hot it is. When you run your microwave you decide how many seconds and minutes you should use. You check your wallet or purse to see how much money you have for the day.
There is a body of evidence that suggests that many children are unable to estimate a reasonable answer. With the growing use of calculators and computers, children are losing the capacity to decide what a reasonable answer is. They need to be able to calculate for themselves so they don’t over rely on electronic equipment.
Calculators and computers are tools. They do not have thinking power- they are able to perform complicated calculations at lightning speed but they rely on the accuracy of the data input. They are only as useful as the person who puts in the numbers. The user needs to be able to determine whether the answer given is reasonable- does it make sense? To be able to determine this you must be able to estimate the approximate answer and in doing so key in the correct operation ( ,-, X, /).
You can have a wonderful time with your children if you think creatively about using math at home. There are dozens of possibilities for you to play number games with your child. You have to have the willingness, enthusiasm and creativity to use everyday mathematics in the home to fashion challenging and exciting number games.
You can do dozens of things at home if you really think creatively. Using a thermometer is a great resource. Develop a simple graph showing the temperature changes over a month. Check the thermometer every morning at breakfast and every night at dinner. See what the temperature differences are between those 10 hours. You’ll be amazed at how much your children enjoy this fun activity.
Long car trips can be very boring and frustrating. Try to think of all the number games you can play as you drive along. Use the registration plates of the cars in front of you to play number games. Count the number of red cars. Compare the difference between cars and SUVs that you pass. Calculate the mileage and check it against the car’s computer. There are endless ways to play number games on a long trip.
Encourage your children to talk about how they solve math problems. Help them to think about their math thinking. This is called metacognition - thinking about thinking. Think what processes and strategies they used to reason out a solution. Even very young children can do this. Build a positive attitude to math by incorporating math tasks and thinking into everyday activities. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly your child will develop a love for math.