Engage children with math every day

Aug 20, 2013

With back-to-school just around the corner, now is the time for parents to start preparing their young children for math class again.

A summer away from school is fun, but it can result in the “summer slide,” when math concepts and skills deteriorate each week due to lack of practice.

With just a little effort this erosion can be mitigated, according to Larry Martinek, chief instructional officer at Mathnasium. He created the Mathnasium Method™ taught at all Mathnasium centers.

Working on math skills with young children is not only valuable – it can be fun.

“Math practice needn’t be drudgery,” Martinek said.

“It can be a great everyday opportunity for bonding between young children and their parents.”

Martinek suggests sharing tasks with children.

“When you’re at a restaurant, give your third or fourth grader the bill and ask him to calculate the change,” said Martinek, who has developed the following tips for sharpening up children’s math skills:

  • Have your child calculate how much change you should receive when shopping.
  • Ask your child to figure out when to leave for destinations by explaining what time you need to arrive and how long it takes to get there.
  • Tell your child you have six quarters and ask how many dimes that equals.
  • Ask your child how much a half pound of candy costs, if a pound costs $6. If a half pound is $1.50, ask how much a whole pound costs.

The key to sharpening math skills is to use them, Martinek said.

These types of questions illustrate that math is a useful skill.

Mathnasium’s free booklets, “Math Tips for Students” and “Math Tips for Parents” are available at most Mathnasium franchise locations in the U.S.

Read full article here.

SEE HOW MATHNASIUM WORKS FOR YOUR SITUATION

Answer a few questions to see how it works

My Child is:

arrow
arrow

OUR METHOD WORKS

Mathnasium meets your child where they are and helps them with the customised programme they need, for any level of mathematics.

HELP YOUR CHILD ACHIEVE THEIR FULL MATHS POTENTIAL

We have nearly 1,100 neighbourhood centres globally. Get started now.
  • Find a centre
  • Get a maths skills assessment for your child
  • Your child will complete a customised learning plan
arrow
Get Started By Finding A Local Centre