How to Enhance Math and Science Skills for Girls

Studies show that fewer and fewer girls are entering careers in math and science. Here are a few ways to help get your daughter interested in these exciting subjects.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Games:
   Playing games with your daughter will help her to practice her math skills through counting, sorting, and calculating money. Good games to try are Yahtzee, Card Games, Monopoly, and the Game of Life. Chess and Checkers are also classics that allow math skills to flourish. Allow her to count her own dice, move her own pawns, and play banker.

2. 
    

   Music:
   Make sure your daughter is exposed to a wide range of music during her childhood. Many studies have shown that musical ability is linked to higher cognitive function and math skills. Allow her to not only listen to music, but play an instrument if she wishes. Talk to her about the harmonies and melodies and the types of rhythms she hears.

3. 
    

   Projects:
   Encourage your daughter to enter her school's science fair each year. Many girls shy away from these projects because they don't have an interest in "scientific" things. Engage her by touting the fun she will have in putting together the project board with her own choices in decoration and color. Allow her to choose which type of scientific mystery she will solve whether it be growing plants, observing butterflies, or testing for fingerprints.

4. 
    

   Nature:
   Pull your daughter away from her indoor games, like dolls and Barbies, and allow her to experience and enjoy nature and it's many scientific properties. Just by being outside, she can learn about animal food chains and habitats, plant growth, temperature, and
   sun and moon cycles.

5. 
    

   Reading:
   Many girls, who do not enjoy math and science, do enjoy reading and language arts. Enhance her skills in these areas by giving her books on scientific topics like animals, plants, ecology, and chemistry.

6. 
    

   Model and Participate:
   Make sure to model the behaviors you would like to see in your daughter. By showing your own interest in such subject and participating with her, you will prepare her for a lifetime of learning.

Tips & Warnings

• Try as often as possible to link your daughter's interests to science and math.

[amylaine]

on 11/6/2008 Great tips to enhance maths skills.