Real Life Math
When you were a kid, did you ever wonder why you needed to learn something? Helping kids connect the dots to a bigger picture of why they are learning can be a motivator to helping them give effort when they may choose to stop. This is especially true when you identify things they enjoy doing.
Math is a subject that is used every day by all people to solve simple and complex problems. Many things done at home utilize math skills. Math is used for cooking, doing bills, working in the garage, counting chores, and handing out allowance.
When parents choose to stay involved in their child’s learning and understand their stage of math development, it can be easy to turn everyday things into teaching moments.
Have your child cook with you one weekend. Together, you can count the items, measure the ingredients, and determine how many pieces things should be cut so the entire family can eat.
Math can be manly, too. You can build a bird house and use math by measuring before you cut. How much wood do we need and count the nails before hammering. Don’t forget sports. Math is used throughout all sports. Have your child add stats, count the number of games, or subtract how many games your favorite team is away from first place.
Teachers do so much work to educate our kids. As parents, we are indebted to their work. But don’t let them do all the work. When you take some time to incorporate learning into everyday activities you are not only helping your child’s teacher, but your child wins the most. Step into your child’s world and have fun!