How to make math more interesting for your youngsters

Math is often the least loved school subject. Most kids just don’t seem to find it fun, interesting or appealing, and they end up developing a strained relationship with it.

However, even though it might not exactly always be fun, it is one of those core subjects that is incredibly beneficial – it helps kids’ brains develop better, it teaches them new ways of thinking and problem solving, and ultimately, it does help make life a bit easier.

As a mom of two young girls, I’ve found it a bit of a challenge to help my own children love numbers as much as they love words, so here today are some of my tips for helping your kids learn to appreciate math more – or at least not dislike it as much.

Explain the benefits

The best place to start improving your children’s relationship with math is explaining why we have to learn it in the first place. Math is often seen as an abstract subject that has no real application in the “real world”, so if you can shake this belief, you will be off to a good start.

Discuss concepts more thoroughly

On a similar note, if you can explain how something in math actually works, you will be doing a better job than just asking your kids to memorize something and accept the rule as is. You can enlist the help of Eddie Woo, a teacher who has found a way to make math truly fun in his classroom, or talk to your teacher about how they teach, and what you can do to complement their technique.

Admit that it’s not actually fun

Forcing the term “fun” and “interesting” down your kids’ throats when they are clearly not fans of the subject will only ever be counterproductive. Try admitting that it is a bit dull and abstract instead, but explain why you still need to do math, despite the fact that it may be less enjoyable than some of your children’s’ favorite subjects. This is in itself a great lesson to instill in them, about doing things they don’t like, regardless of how they feel about them (within reason, of course).

Use clever apps

There are plenty of math apps available to download that can turn math time into play time. Make sure the one you choose has tasks that are right for your child’s age, as these apps can be quite advanced, but there are some for very young learners as well. Some will even let you as the parent keep track of their score and achievements, so you can tune into their progress.

Play math games

There are plenty of math-based games you can buy, or even play online, as well as those creative games books that have a whole host of game suggestions. Try to find one that will make playtime a bit more engaging and fun, but that will also still work on your child’s skills – sometimes the games are very basic, and don’t actually require any specific math skill, which is not what you want.

Use additional resources

Try to add some extra tasks to your usual math routine. You can look for workbooks or worksheets the kids might do as a bit of extra work from after school or during the summer. As this is not the usual math homework they are assigned, they might like it a whole lot more, and not necessarily view it as work.

Be a role model

Instead of telling your kids you don’t like math either, or that you were bad at it yourself, try to put a twist on that sentiment and talk to your kids about the joy of overcoming obstacles, and how perseverance can be very beneficial later in life. That way, they won’t just feel it’s okay to give up and not be good at it.

Consult your teacher

If you are particularly stuck for ideas, the best option is always to talk to your kids’ teacher – they will already know what kinds of math problems are interesting or dull for your child, and be able to make informed suggestions. They of course have access to all kinds of resources you would never think of too.

Talk about it

Kids love to chatter, so if you can introduce some math talk to your day, this can be a great help. You can give them a verbal math problem they can solve while you are doing a chore together, or come up with math based stories you can tell at nap or bedtime.

Use it every day

We all use math every day, when shopping, when baking, cooking, and so on. Why not include your kids in this activity, and have them do all that math for you. You can write tasks down if you need to, and do an entire interactive activity all while making a batch of cookies.

To sum it up

Math may indeed be a bit on the dull side, but with these clever tactics, you should be able to help your child overcome their dislike of the subject, and get better and better at it. Remember that you shouldn’t force them to practice at all costs, rather make them understand what and why they are doing, and how it will benefit them, not you as the person wanting them to do it.