Homeschooling families and educators alike can incorporate the benefits of these creative methods for introducing math concepts into the reluctant or intimdated student's daily activities.
Let's face it, not all of us have child prodigies when it comes to math. The very mention of sitting down to a numbers task can elicit a sigh of angst. One easy way around this struggle is to give them math without them knowing it.
Math is fundamental to our daily lives. We use it every day in a variety of ways, and most often we don't even think about the fact that we are using math skills. This same principal can work for teaching math skills to young students, especially for those students who are intimidated or lack interest in math.
If your child hits a reluctant brick wall with math, put away the textbooks and workbooks for awhile. In fact, put away the mention of "studying math." Remember, no one accomplishes anything when the focus is lost or missing. Replace the status quo with something every child will willingly participate in: Games.
Yahtzee is an excellent game for math drills. Some of the disciplines used in the game include addition and multiplication. This game is also great for improving deductive reasoning skills, a necessary component in developing skills for more involved mathematics. Other games include:
- Monopoly (this is especially beneficial if you let the child be the "Banker.")
- Dominos (for younger students, just allowing them to build with dominos triggers math-related thinking)
- Scrabble (why not incorporate addition and spelling?)
- Card games, like Rummy, Go Fish, and for the loner, Solitaire
In addition to board and card games, there are many excellent math software programs available. If your child prefers computers to hands-on learning this may be the easiest and most beneficial means to an end. Be creative, the main thing is to get them thinking math without thinking "ugh!"
And never underestimate the power of the almighty dollar with a "you learn, you earn" strategy. Give them a maximum allowance, and tell them that each task is worth a percentage of the total allowance. At the end of the week have them figure out how much of the total allowance they have earned. Believe me, when it comes to getting paid every penny they've earned, they will amaze you at how much they have learned!
Math doesn't have to mean daily disgruntled parents and kids. Sometimes all it takes is the perception of a break from routine to get students back in the swing of things.
(note: Yahtzee, Dominos, Monopoly and Scrabble are all registered trademarks.)
