How to Keep Your Child Interested in Math
Kids who grumble about doing math may need a little help staying interested. Fortunately, math doesn't just happen in a textbook. Look for opportunities in your daily life to challenge your child's math abilities. If you make it fun and integrate it into your daily routine, math won't seem like such a chore.
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Things You'll Need
- Math games, such as board games, puzzles, video games or computer games
- Flash cards
- Instructional videos
Instructions
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Play math-related games. Shop for board games that involve counting or calculating sums. Search for fun math websites that offer interactive and grade-appropriate activities. Test the games yourself to see whether they convey the concepts you want addressed.
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Use old-fashioned flash cards. If you have kids who are competitive, make it a contest to see who can correctly solve the most equations in a set period of time.
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Insert math into everyday activities. While in the car, ask your child to count items along the way. For example, have her count the number of blue cars in a small parking lot. Ask her how many there are if two cars drive away. For older children, introduce them to hopscotch and sports that require you to add up points. When paying for an item at the store, ask your child to calculate how much change you should receive.
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Read books with math-related stories to younger kids.
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Organize a math club or study group. Practicing math with friends may keep your child interested.
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Hire a tutor to help your child mater math.
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Tips & Warnings
Discuss with your child's teacher the challenges your child is experiencing with math and work out a plan that can help you and your child with the math homework and quizzes.
Do not allow your child to fall behind. If you do not understand Math, don't be embarrassed to ask for help.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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Comments
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Karen Cotton
Jan 25, 2008
Math can often seem 'pointless' or 'boring' to kids - your tips and resources can create some excitement. If your child is an practical learner, you could also try things like: involving your child in cooking and baking helps with fractions, use shopping (and budgeting) to learn adding and subtracting skills and when they're older, use bank accounts as a way for them to understand interest rates and percentages. -
chaddie01
Jan 09, 2008
Thanks for the head's up!!!
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Kim Marie
Jan 06, 2008
There are so many resources and you cover them well. I like to translate math into money, and that sparks their interest immediately in most cases - lol :) Great article, valuable ideas!
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grouch
Jan 04, 2008
I lucked out my son loves math but these tips work so good for reading too. He loves to look through the dictionary now and pick one new word to learn. Thanks.
