When your child is learning a math skill, sometimes the best teaching method is to zip your lips and ask the child to do the talking. Say something like, “Your brain is working differently than my brain. That’s okay and I’d like to understand how you are doing this problem. Can you explain it to me?” You may also want to say that when you went to school, your teacher taught a different method for that particular skill. Then be quiet and let your child explain. Another time to keep your lips zipped is after you have asked the question! Many times, adults jump in to support the child or "help" them before the child has even had a chance to digest the question, let along think of an answer. Practicing this patience is difficult for most of us. At Mathnasium, our instructors are told to ask the question, then wait. Wait until they start to feel very uncomfortable with the silence (not just a little twitchy) and then wait another 10-20 seconds.
Why Make the Student the Teacher?
The process of teaching someone else can actually be a great way to think through details and cement learning. Have you ever taught someone how to do anything? When you teach someone else a skill, you have to really think about how you do what you do and break it down into small steps. If you gloss over details the person your teaching will end up confused and ask questions. Then you have to think of another way to explain it so the learner understands. Unfortunately, teachers in a classroom of 30 kids don’t always get to listen to each child individually. Parents and Mathnasium of Littleton can really help their children just by listening.
Don’t Forget to Ask "Why?"
Many kids may begin by explaining the method or algorithm for solving the problem. There is no problem with that but keep probing your child to check for conceptual understanding. The best way to do that is ask “Why does this work?” or “How else could we solve this problem?” These questions get the children thinking about the concepts underlying the methods. This is the beginning of mathematical reasoning and critical thinking.
Remember to keep the conversation light-hearted and stress-free to take advantage of optimal brain chemistry. If you or your child is getting upset, stop and try another day or bring them into Mathnasium of Littleton. At Mathnasium of Littleton, our fabulous instructors know when to explain and when to listen.
This article was written by and owned by Cuttlefish Copywriting, www.cuttlefishcopywriting.com . It is copyright protected. Mathnasium of Littleton has permission to use it. Other Mathnasium locations should contact Heather at [email protected] before using it.
