By Joshua L Davis III
In a world where technology is advancing, how students are engaging with math is evolving. Calculators, computers, and tablets are becoming more accessible. However, the need to improve performance in mathematical courses is consistently on the rise.This is especially true as the increasing demand of advancing the technological scope is on the rise.It is no secret that math can be a difficult subject for students from elementary school all the way through college. As a parent, there are several things that you can do to ensure that your child is comprehending and understanding math.
Start at an Early Age
Introducing math at a young age can give your child a strong mathematical foundation as they go into elementary school. Solidifying an understanding of basic addition, subtraction, and problem-solving skills will assist in a smoother transition as math concepts continue to get harder.
Talk to the Teacher
The parent-teacher relationship is an important one. As your child navigates through school, consistent communication with your child’s teachers is important. The purpose of your child’s teacher is to teach but also to be an advocate for them when they are struggling in school.
Reaching out to your child’s teacher, regardless of any grade, will help you to understand their strengths and weaknesses mathematically. Together, you will be able to assess where your child is and get the extra help necessary in order for them to be successful.
Incorporate Real-Life Scenarios
If you have middle school, high school or college bound children, it is important to introduce them to real-life scenarios. Often times you will hear from your student that they will never use math, however, help them realize that they will. Introduce them to real-life situations such as:
Financial Planning: Technology: Career Training:
* Financial Planning: Introduce them to a checking or savings account. Help them learn about investing and stock market options. What retirement is and why it is important to start early. Give them a little perspective on how the world actually works.
* Technology: It is no secret that teenagers and young adults are on technology overload. However, do they truly understand how these things are designed? Have them talk to or intern with a computer engineer, video game designer, or encourage them to take classes that work around data and analysis. This will allow them to see just how much math is really involved in their everyday lives.
* Career Training: If your child is showing an interest in a particular career or major, encourage a little exploration. Set up a field trip or allow them to talk to someone who works in that field. This will give them an opportunity to learn what they need to improve on in order to be successful in that particular area, especially if they are struggling with math.
If your child isn’t quite there yet, you can still introduce them to some real-life scenarios as well. Here are some things that you can do with your little ones to help them understand that math is everywhere:
Grocery Shopping: Cooking: Be An Architect: Play Board or Card Games:
* Grocery Shopping: Take your child grocery shopping. Let them help you gather items, weigh the vegetables, count items, look at prices, and count the money. Teaching them about how goods and services work is a great way to introduce math into everyday life.
* Cooking: Cooking can be a fun and creative way for your child to use fractions, conversions, and measurements. It is also a great way to incorporate problem-solving and reasoning skills.
* Be An Architect: Use large cardboard boxes, rulers, compasses, and even blueprints to build a robot, house, or building. This is a fun way to introduce geometry and algebra to the mix.
* Play Board or Card Games: Using board or card games can help with counting, matching, and problem-solving. This is great for preschool to elementary age children who may be struggling in this area.
Utilize Outside Resources
If your children continue to struggle with math, it is important that you intervene quickly before the struggle becomes more difficult. Discuss with their teacher whether or not working with outside resources would be beneficial. There are several options such as:
* In-home tutoring services
* After school programs
* Online tutoring programs
* Tutoring Centers
* Math Clubs
If your child is in college there should be academic and tutoring resources available to them on campus. They also should discuss with their professor what it is they can do to get extra help.
The Bottom Line
As a parent, you always want the best for your child. Avoiding frustrations with mathematics will leave room for your child to explore the subject on a deeper level.
The best course of action when it comes to improving math skills is to be involved. Your involvement with your child’s education will solidify their success in mathematics, as well as, other subjects they may deem difficult.