If you want to give your child a head start on math, it's easy to do.You have to treat it like a book.Just like you try to read to your child every day, make sure you talk about math with your kid.Make sure the games your child is playing incorporate math, as well as sit down and get more serious about certain topics.
Step 1: Count with your kids.
One of the most basic math lessons you can learn is counting.If you incorporate counting into your speech, your child will be able to do it on their own.Count backwards as well as forwards, then move onto counting by two, three, four, five, and so on.You can count the number of plates you need to set the table.There are toys on the floor.There are stop signs near the school.There are stairs.
Step 2: Number recognition is something to work on.
A child can't communicate math on paper until they know what numbers look like.Point out the numbers to your child when you notice them.You can play a number puzzle or hopscotch for a younger child.Try bus numbers at a bus stop for an older child.Try phone numbers or car license plates as the child gets better at recognizing numbers.
Step 3: You can highlight the ways in which you use math.
You use math on a day-to-day basis.Try to think out loud when you use math with your kids.It's necessary to do this every day.You can compare prices at the grocery store.To make a recipe, measure ingredients.You can calculate coupon discounts.
Step 4: It's important to work on shapes.
Shapes can be used to understand geometry.As you run your errand, you can ask your child to name the shapes they are playing with.Baking cookies with basic shapes can combine learning and fun.Don't forget to use 3D shapes as well!Younger children can enjoy shape-based puzzles.The child is usually required to match a set of shapes.If you want to build a box for an older child, use paper and tape.They should measure and cut the pieces with a ruler and scissors.Take a look at octagonal stop signs and traffic cones in the real world.
Step 5: Ask about the estimation.
While direct questions are helpful in learning the basics of math, estimation questions require kids to think through a problem, not just spout out a basic answer.You may need to adjust the question because this tip works for both younger and older kids."How much water do you think will fill up this pitcher?" is an estimation question.You can do an experiment to see how close the guess was if you allow your child to estimate.It's important to show younger kids how much a cup is.For older kids, you can ask more complex questions such as "How long will it take to fill the bathtub with water?"
Step 6: Numbers can be written by hand.
It's not much of a leap to teach your child how to write numbers.It's possible to have your child mimic how you write.If you want your child to trace the numbers, you can outline them with dots or dashes, then write them down on their own.You can draw numbers in shaving foam or sand.
Step 7: Work with the dot method.
The dot method helps your child solve addition and subtraction problems.If the problem is 3 + 5, your child would draw 3 dots in one group and 5 in the next.The child would count the dots to get the answer.Start with numbers under 10.You can add 10 to a number once they have that down.This method can also be used for multiplication and division.If the problem is 4 X 6, the child would draw 4 groups of 6 dots and count to get the answer."What if it had been 4 groups of 7?" is a question you can ask your child.The dot method can be used to teach your kids basic math.
Step 8: Number bonds are the focus.
Number bonds can be used to help your child understand math.Start by working on all the pairs that add together to make five by using the dot method.You can work on bonds for 10.
Step 9: Don't use memorization.
While working on understanding the concepts will help your child learn math.Memorization makes math go quicker so that they don't have to think about every problem.You can use flashcards to memorize times tables.One exercise that combines understanding and learning is to have your child count by 3s, 4s and 5s.Your child will need to think through the problem and realize that adding is just a form of multiplication.Repeatedly counting by these numbers will aid in memorization.
Step 10: New ideas can be found on websites.
If you're teaching the same things over and over, you should use new ideas.New ideas that you and your child will love can be found on educational websites.You will be able to find fun math games for your kids.
Step 11: Encourage children to play with toys.
The toys with pipes and joints are a great way to engage your child in spatial relationships.The toys help your kid move from piece to piece.Sit down and play with your child.Your child will want to build their own structures when they see you building.
Step 12: Try folding something.
It's a great way to teach your kids some geometry.Younger kids will find more complex designs frustrating if they stick to very simple designs.Take things further.Make a bunch of different figures, and have your child count how many are in each group.Children might be more interested in animal-shaped figures than flowers.
Step 13: Music should be included.
Children who learn music do better in math.Basic counting skills are needed to do well in music.The thinking needed for math is related to the abstract thinking your child does in making music.Kids of all ages will benefit from learning music.They could enroll in a music class at their school.A friend or family member can teach them too.
Step 14: Pay board games that include math.
Board games can get kids doing math.There are classic games like Chutes and Ladders.Counting is required for Cherry-O.It's a great way to teach math to older kids.You don't have to follow the classics.bluffing games such as the Sheriff ofNottingham require your child to think about the probability of certain outcomes
Step 15: Encourage spatial games.
"Mother, May I?" was a spatial game.Your child can learn spatial words and concepts.Encourage your kids to play the game with each other.The Hokey Pokey can help with these concepts.There are online games for young children.You can make your own game.
Step 16: Try educational apps.
If you don't teach your child math, they can still work on it with apps on their tablets and computers.There are apps for older kids and teens.There are great apps that encourage learning.
Step 17: Allow them to work on their own.
Independent thinking is a math skill that is important.When your child is struggling, you may be tempted to show them how to solve the problem.Encouraging your child to work it out for themselves will help them learn to think on their own.They can look up help for similar problems online.They still learn independence when they look up how to do a problem on their own.
Step 18: You can combine math with other disciplines.
Some adolescents may not find math exciting.It can be incorporated into other disciplines to make it more interesting.Kids need to measure out ingredients for science experiments.You could use math to figure out how much of the population was wiped out by a plague.
Step 19: They should be taught to use different approaches.
There are more than one way to solve a problem.Children who are taught to try different approaches will be able to solve more complex problems.They can switch to another approach to find a solution if they come at it from one direction and find it doesn't work.It might take a while before you find an approach that works for your child.Stick with it if you find an approach.
Step 20: They should be encouraged when they're struggling.
It's possible that kids have heard that they're either a "math" person or not.It makes math much harder if they come to the conclusion that they are not a math person.They might have to work a little harder at it if you tell them that anyone can do it.You could say, "I know you find math hard, but you just have to work a little harder at it."Anyone can be a mathematician.You will feel good when you work hard and figure it out.Look up examples of people who struggled with math but were successful.Family members count as well.