The ability to manipulate numbers to solve simple equations, word problems and algebraic equations is a vital part of your child's education. According to Misunderstood Minds, a website of PBS, children who struggle with math at an early age often continue to struggle throughout school. You can help your child develop a strong foundation in math by working with her consistently. Whether your child is already in school or getting ready to start, develop a strategy for teaching her math skills that can help her for a lifetime.
Step 1
Teach your child how to recognize single digit numbers, the number 10 and understand one-to-one correspondence by playing a simple game. Use food to make the lesson fun. Write the digits zero to 10 on index cards and lay them on a table. Give your child a stack of fish-shaped crackers and help him put the correct number of fish below each card. Ask him to point to the number "5." When he is successful, let him eat the crackers. Repeat daily until he can quickly recognize his numbers.
Step 2
Add pennies and other household objects together to teach your child addition. Fold a piece of construction paper in half, then open it up so you have two visible sides. Hand your child 10 pennies and ask her to put one penny on the left side of her paper and two pennies on the right hand side. On a whiteboard write "1+2." Ask her to count the total number of pennies on her paper and write the answer on the board. Use a pair of dice and ask her to add the dots together. Repeat with other number combinations.
Step 3
Draw a number line on a sheet of paper to help your child visualize how numbers are added and subtracted. Show her a flash card with the equation, 9+2=11. Demonstrate how to start at the nine point on the number line and jump over two to reach 11. Show her the corresponding fact family flash card, 11-9=2 and demonstrate subtraction on the number line. The University of Puget Sound says that using number lines and fact families helps children solidify math concepts.
Step 4
Use everyday opportunities to teach your child math concepts. Point out numbers on license plates as you travel, ask him to add up short distances before you leave for a trip and let him help you calculate how much money you spend at the grocery store. The U.S. Department of Education recommends teaching your child how to estimate sums when you shop by teaching him to round prices up to the nearest dollar and add them together.
Tips and Warnings
- Involve your child when you cook, and teach her how to count teaspoons and measure liquids. Teach your child the easy math facts first. Practice math skills every day. Buy educational math games and play together as a family.
- Watch for a tendency in your child to reverse numbers. Have your child professionally evaluated if you suspect a learning disability.
Things You'll Need
- Index cards
- Fish-shaped crackers
- Construction paper
- Pennies
- Whiteboard
- Dice
References
- PBS: Misunderstood Minds: Difficulties with Mathematics
- Math and Reading Help: Fun Ways to Learn Math
- Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Basic Number Facts and Operations
- University of Puget Sound: Fact Mastery and More!
- U.S. Department of Education: Helping Your Child Learn Mathematics
