If you have a child who struggles with math, one thing you can do is connect math to their everyday life and interests. That real-world connection can get your child excited and engaged in learning.
Football is a great way to motivate kids because there’s literally a new, fun math problem on every play. If you watch a game with your child, you can use this to your advantage.
Ask questions about score changes, yards gained or lost, time remaining, and so on. You’re not solving problems on a worksheet. This is a chance to be the coach or the announcer and analyze the game, all while reinforcing math concepts.
Want to try it out? Here are a few conversation starters to get the football math flowing:
Situation #1: The score is Giants 17, Dolphins 21. There’s only enough time for the Giants to run one more play. Should the Giants go for a touchdown or kick a field goal?
Situation #2: So far in the game, the Giants running back has run for 75 yards on 15 carries. How many yards per carry is the running back getting?
Situation #3: The Dolphins are on their own 35-yard line. How many yards are they from scoring a touchdown?
Feel free to use your favorite teams with any of these examples.
