“Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.” — Albert Einstein.
Math is a subject that can make a child nervous, but at the same time it can make them feel excited too if taught in the right manner using varied blended learning tools. Math is logic with a purpose. Conceptual math can be taught from an early age to make the base stronger.
In the early years, math can be taught to a child by showing toys of various sizes and shapes, counting along with tracing the numbers on sand, writing in air and flour, etc.
The idea is to make it fun for the child. As the child grows, one can take the child shopping and explain to them concepts like currency, change, buying and selling using the money they have, understanding quantity, and so on. Eventually, the child, with real-life examples, starts liking and enjoying the subject. Because math without fear compels all humans to solve. Math is applicable even while cooking; topics like ratio and proportion can be taught and made a part of the curriculum so that the learning engagement becomes meaningful.
Mathematics develops logical thinking, spatial reasoning, and a systematic approach towards practical, long-term learning. Math can be made perfect with practise, so doing drills on a regular basis encourages children to perform better. One can use innovative ways to teach multiple operators like add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
Higher-level math like simple interest and percentages can be taught by taking the students on a mall and bank visit. Even showing statements of accounts, bills, and the pricing of tickets can arouse curiosity in the children and a liking for the subject. Also, children can be taken to the football field or stadium to calculate the area, perimeter, etc.
The list of activities is endless; today we have mental math, conceptual math, Vedic math, abacus, and finger math, but the idea is to develop a love for the subject from an early age by involving the child in age-appropriate topics and learning engagements. A mixture of audio-visual, hands-on experiences, and observation with practise can provide the desired results.
Tips for parents to enhance mathematical skills in young children:
- Take the child for a walk in nature to understand sizes, colours, and shapes.
- Use Magna Tiles and objects that are 2-D and 3-D in shape to teach faces, sides, and corners.
- Take your child for fruit and vegetable shopping and to malls and banks too.
- Show them how to write a cheque using numbers and number names.
- Encourage the solving of puzzles and playing board games.
- Make the child plan his or her schedule to understand the concept of time.
- Show them a calendar and ask them to mark the important dates and days.
- Engage them in using measuring tape and geometric kits to measure and draw during their free time.
- Use real-life examples while solving the word problems.
- The most important thing is to break down the complex concepts into simple, smaller steps to achieve the desired goals.
Blog by Ms. Pooja of Leaping Laureate