While kids take a well-earned break over the summer holidays, there is no reason education at home should stop.
Parents play a crucial role in fostering a positive attitude towards math and providing the necessary support. Here are some effective strategies for parents to help their primary school children learn math at home:
1. Create a positive attitude:
Parents should maintain a positive attitude towards math themselves and avoid expressing any negativity. Emphasize that math is a valuable skill that can be interesting and fun. Avoid saying things like “I was never good at math“ to prevent your child from developing a similar mindset.
2. Incorporate math into daily life:
Integrate math into everyday activities. While cooking, involve your child in measuring ingredients, estimating quantities, and understanding fractions. When shopping, ask them to compare prices, calculate discounts, or estimate the total cost.
3. Play math games:
Engage in math games and puzzles that make learning enjoyable. Board games, card games, and online math apps offer interactive ways to reinforce math concepts, improve problem-solving skills, and enhance logical thinking.
4. Establish a dedicated study space:
Create a comfortable and organised study space where your child can focus on math activities. Minimise distractions and provide the necessary math tools, such as pencils, paper, rulers, and calculators.
5. Set realistic goals:
Set achievable goals based on your child’s current math level. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation.
6. Use real-life examples:
Show how math is relevant in the real world. When planning a family outing, discuss distances, travel times, and routes. Calculate the tip at a restaurant or determine the change after making a purchase.
7. Be patient and supportive:
Each child learns at their own pace. Be patient and provide the necessary support. Offer guidance without imposing pressure, and be ready to explain concepts multiple times if needed.
8. Encourage problem-solving:
Expose your child to various math problems that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. Encourage them to approach challenges from different angles and develop their own strategies.
9. Provide practical applications:
Connect math concepts to practical applications. For instance, when learning about fractions, use pizza slices to illustrate different fractions and their relationships.
10. Communicate with teachers:
Stay in touch with your child’s math teacher to understand the curriculum and identify areas where your child might need additional support. This partnership ensures a coordinated effort between school and home.
11. Use online resources:
Utilise reputable online resources that offer interactive math lessons, tutorials, and practice exercises. These resources can reinforce classroom learning and provide additional practice.
12. Read math-related books:
Explore math-related storybooks that make math concepts more relatable and engaging. These books can stimulate your child’s interest in math and provide different perspectives on the subject.
13. Emphasise mistakes as learning opportunities:
Encourage your child to view mistakes as a natural part of learning. Discuss errors openly, identify the areas that need improvement, and work together to overcome challenges.
14. Make math a family activity:
Involve the entire family in math-related activities. Play math trivia games during family gatherings, solve puzzles together, or have a math-themed movie night.
