Making Math More than Just a Subject
“How can I help my child in math?” This is a question often asked by parents who want to help but don’t know where to start. While there is no one answer to this question, one of the most effective things a parent can do to help their child has nothing to do with flash cards and workbooks. The goal of a parent should be to help their child understand that math is not just a subject in school, but something that all of us use everyday. Math is everywhere!
One of the best and simplest ways to improve your child’s math skills is to is look for opportunities to “talk math” with your child in a non-stressful way. While driving in the car challenge your child, “let’s see how many rectangles we can count.” Have your child call out when they find one, “I see a billboard, a billboard is a rectangle.” But then, ask further questions. “How do you know a billboard is a rectangle? Is a stop sign a rectangle?” By asking your child to explain and clarify their thinking you are not only practicing geometry (rectangles), and number sense (counting & adding), but also reasoning skills which can take students a long way in math.
If you make “talking math” something you do every day, it won’t be long before your child will start noticing opportunities on their own to practice their math skills. You can “talk math” practically anywhere. From counting people in line at the grocery store, to estimating how long it will take to clean their room, your child will love the challenges and their teacher will love it too!