Learning math can be tricky and frustrating for many children. If your child is struggling to understand math concepts, you can work with her to boost her mastery of numbers and help her comprehend what they mean. Incorporating some entertaining activities into your child's math homework time can help her to enjoy math so she is motivated to learn what she needs to know to be successful in the classroom, writes Michael S. Schiro, author of "Mega-Fun Math Games and Puzzles for the Elementary Grades."
Step 1
Read math stories with your child. Use books to show your child how math works and make it come alive to him, recommend Judy Hechtman and Deborah Ellermeyer, authors of "Teaching Math with Favorite Picture Books: Hands-On Activities and Reproducibles to Teach Math Using More than 25 Picture Books." Read "Inch by Inch" or "The Grouchy Ladybug" to teach your child how to measure or try "The Greedy Triangle" to teach geometry or "Jump, Frog, Jump" to help him understand patterns.
Step 2
Use flashcards to practice math facts. Show your child a flashcard with an addition, subtraction, multiplication or division problem, and challenge her to give you the answer as fast as she can. Make it a game to see how many problems she can solve in one minute or try quizzing her to see how long it takes to solve 10 math problems. Challenge her to beat her time each time you start a new game.
Step 3
Play math games with your child. Try playing Jump the Answer, suggests Schiro as an entertaining way to practice adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Draw a grid on the sidewalk using chalk or use masking tape on the carpet. Make 10 squares--three rows of three and one additional square in the middle and at the bottom. Write the numbers zero to nine, one in each square. Call out a math problem and have your child jump on the numbers that make the answer. Try Math Simon Says by calling out a math problem and instructing your child to jump, clap his hands or stomp his feet the same number of times equal to the answer.
Step 4
Give your child objects to use to help her solve problems. Provide beans, pennies or blocks so your child can visualize math problems. Show her how to add by creating two groups of objects that match her addition problem. Teach her to count the two groups to find the answer. Show her subtraction by making a group of objects that is equal to the largest number in the problem and by removing as many objects that equal the smaller number in the problem. Tell her to count the remaining objects to find the answer.
Tips and Warnings
- Make math practice low pressure to help motivate your child to have fun while he learns math concepts. Play the games with him and allow him to quiz you so he gets to have a turn being the teacher.
- Do not tease or make fun of your child if she has a hard time with math. Failing to offer her support will likely result in an unwillingness to try.
Things You'll Need
- Books
- Flashcards
- Sidewalk chalk or masking tape
- Counting objects
References
- "Mega-Fun Math Gamesand Puzzles for the Elementary Grades"; Michael S. Schiro; 2009
- "Teaching Math with Favorite Picture Books: Hands-On Activities and Reproducibles to Teach Math Using More than 25 Picture Books"; Judy Hechtman and Deborah Ellermeyer; 1998
Member Comments