Of all the subjects we learn in our educational institutions, mathematics is the most despised by a long shot. Since time immemorial, math is considered to be the nemesis of many. In a certain poll, 37% of adults claimed that they ‘hated’ math in schools, more than twice that of any other subjects. Again, it also has been found that mathematics is the most liked subject for only 6% of students and it is hated by 88% of students.
Any factors can play a huge role in establishing a person’s negative association with this most despised subject. A traumatic or embarrassing experience in math class, a mediocre educator in the school, misconceptions about the significance of ease of mastering the subject, and even parental bias against the subject can all contribute greatly to a strong dislike of mathematics amongst the students.
Now, you can be a parent who struggled with math or simply hated the subject while you were in school. You find it incredibly challenging to grapple with topics and techniques you is unfamiliar with like, number bonds, abundant numbers, chunking, and more. In such a situation, it is anything but natural to contemplate how you can guide your own child with a subject you found difficult.
However, this is when a positive mindset and the ability to accept that you are also on the learning path help considerably. In today’s blog post, we aim to walk you through certain surefire strategies that will help your kids learn math and ace it even though you suck at it.
Foolproof Tips To Help Your Children Learn Math Remarkably
- Develop A Positive Attitude
Parents who struggle with math or claim they hate math have a strong chance of passing on those negative feelings to their children. Therefore, refrain from making negative statements about math or your own inabilities to your children. Do not ever repeat the same common misconceptions about the subject you have heard before.
- Stop Spreading Myths About Math
Innumerable studies have suggested that boys are not genetically predisposed to be more amazing at math than girls. There exists no such difference between the brains of men and women that provides male an upper edge. The gender gap in math accomplishment is a complete result of stereotypes and misconceptions about math in our society. Fortunately, the gap is slowly closing.
Other well-known myths like ‘math ability are usually passed down”, “math isn’t so significant in the real world”, or even worst, “my parents weren’t brilliant at math so that quite explains my fear of failure” can be excessively false and helpful. Success in math can only be a result of huge discrimination and practice.
- Work With Your Children
According to the top math problem solver, it helps to imagine yourself as accompanying your child towards comprehending a new concept rather than explaining it to them. As a parent, a natural desire may crop within you to provide for and guide your children with your experience. However, this turns out to be quite an uphill task when you do not have any lucid idea of what you want to explain.
However, what you can do is tap into your past experiences of having solved problems successfully and overcoming all the difficulties efficiently. Thus, simply be honest and say to your child that this method is new to you too. But you are ready to work to get the hang of it together.
- Make Math Fun
Make sure to read good books on math. Search for math-related children’s books on different search engines. This can help your children to introduce a diverse range of math concepts in an engaging and intriguing way.
- Begin Small and Use Props
Understandably, new concepts can be overwhelming. It is always wise to start as small as you can and play around with something concrete like buttons or pennies or Lego pieces. This can help you as well as your children gain in-depth knowledge of complicated theories.
Like, your children are working on number bonds. They are learning the pair of numbers that can be added together to make a specific total. Now, the number of bonds of seven is three plus four and one plus six. Additionally, it can help both of you comprehend how the number bond work for once and all.
- Show Them Your Way of Doing It
Know that it won’t ever hurt to show your kids the ‘old’ way you learned to solve specific problems. However, teachers today are trying to move beyond the teaching algorithms. They want their pupils to realize why an answer is right or wrong. This represents a massive shift in learning from our generation to this one. Despite of all this, you may never know your child may learn to solve theories and problems in the most remarkable way than the modern methods.
- Refrain From The All-Evil Fear Factor
Teaching unfamiliar concepts could create something that is popularly known as ‘math anxiety. The irrational fear of anything mathematical starts resurfacing. Wondering, why is it essential to do this? This is simply as this fear can be easily passed on to your child.
One of the simplest tricks in the book is to overcome this irrational anxiety is to think that you are not doing math, but you are simply helping your child to master beneficial learning tools. Providing mathematics with a friendlier name, such as ‘problem-solving or ‘calculation tools’, better reflects your own abilities. Not only that, it can also boost confidence and keep math anxiety at bay remarkably.
- Always Keep It Real
Once you and your children have mastered a mathematical theory, make efforts to make it more real and use it in everyday life. Try to make a number of bonds with cookies or muffin pieces. Ask your child to add up prices of supermarket items.
Lastly, remember do not be discouraged or panic if you sometimes struggle. Allow yourself and your child adequate time to learn a new concept. There are certain mathematical concepts that can be counter-intuitive or difficult. It is completely okay to let go, do something else, and come back relaxed to it at your own time. Ensure to reward yourself for even the small successes.Here’s wishing all the luck!
