Unless you’re particularly interested in the subject, being asked to help with math homework can be a little daunting even as an adult. It can be even more challenging if your child isn’t that enthusiastic about math either. None of the homework will get done at this rate, and both of you will be in trouble. Fortunately, there are ways to make math more exciting! All it takes is a little bit more imagination, life, and the right math tutor. Here are ways to make math exciting for your child and perhaps yourself too.
It might seem silly, but saying it to believe it can really work. Saying you’re excited about math or at the very least not saying that you hate it will make the task of solving word problems more bearable. It’s also important not to let your child see an overwhelmingly negative attitude towards the subject; that just encourages them to dislike it and become demotivated.
One excellent way to improve your child’s attitude towards math is by showing him your enthusiasm in anything involving numbers and problem-solving. Whether it’s guessing the amount of time a speeding car will pass the bus stop or estimating the cost of a purchase, showing your child how math is important to your daily life can make a difference in their outlook on the subject. When people like something enough, they start to care about it a little bit more, and the same goes for learning long division.
Some of the best learning takes place outside of the classroom. When you integrate math into daily challenges and applications, it becomes easier to do it come homework time. For instance, ask your child to figure out whether promos like "buy two get one free" are more worth it than purchasing each piece individually. If your child is learning algebra, then you could also ask them to calculate what percentage of a particular food is made from fat. This way, they can also learn about applicable mathematical information, such as the percentage of macronutrients required to maintain a healthy diet.
When seeking math help, it’s useful to understand the skills your child should know by the time he or she finishes a certain grade level. Working with the tutor becomes a lot easier when you understand the milestones to work towards to ensure your child’s success. Knowing what your child should be learning also makes it much easier to create exercises and activities to supplement the topic at home.
Math isn’t just limited to adding digits and finding the value of ‘x.’ You can teach your child games such as chess, dominoes, backgammon, and Monopoly starting in elementary school. These games are timeless and can be played with more complexity and difficulty as your child advances in math class.
Integrating math with other subjects can help students understand it better. Consider reading books where characters solve problems using mathematical applications or logic. A few examples include the Three Little Pigs and the King’s Commissioners.
Math is undoubtedly one of the most feared subjects in any school curriculum, and it’s easy to see why. It’s challenging at all ages, sometimes to the point of frustration. However, it can also be incredibly rewarding and wonderfully practical to get a good grasp of everyday mathematics. Teaching your children to appreciate math with a little homework help, even when it’s difficult, will set them up for more than just academic success in life. Eventually, it will allow them to navigate a messy and confusing world with a little more certainty using the universal language of mathematics.
At Mathnasium Summerside, we offer our students an opportunity to understand math using a unique approach. By fostering an encouraging and caring environment we ensure that the children we tutor thrive and learn. For the best math tutoring in Summerside, enroll with us today!
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