Math can be extremely boring for students, especially when they don't understand the basic concepts needed to succeed. If your kids do not grasp addition or the use of fractions, more than likely they are not going to be thrilled when they have to learn or use a new math concept. This dread of math more than likely will spill into your home when it comes time to doing math homework. Instead of constantly nagging your children to do their math homework provide them with assistance and fun activities that will help your students enjoy math. Tips to do this include the following: Help your kids use math every day, play family games that involve math, introduce logic games to your children, and look into math tutoring programs.
One of the best ways to get kids excited about math is to get them to execute mathematical skills outside of school. Make everyday tasks into games. For example, take your student grocery shopping with you and challenge them to add prices in their heads. Another thing you can do at a grocery store is to challenge them to find which brand or size of a product is the best deal. This is teaching them how to use money in math, a skill that will be increasingly important in their life. Make sure not to ask your child to do too hard of tasks because this will be frustrating instead of effective. Instead, check to see what their weekly math homework involves and find a way to blend that into the grocery store. Other everyday tasks that can be used include balancing a checking book and using time problems (how long did it take to complete this task, how long did it take yesterday, etc.) This sounds like a simple task (because it is) but it will be effective if used regularly. Children will use these little day to day games because they are fun, but will see the benefits as their homework becomes easier and they start to grasp the various math concepts. It is also effective because it shows how math is used in life and it is no longer only a pointless task you have to complete for a grade.
Logic is also very important skill that is linked to math. There are various logic games that are available in books and magazines. These challenging puzzles are available in a variety of skill levels, so you can make sure the games will not be too hard for your child. Examples of logic games include crossword puzzles, number sequences, and logic grids. This is an activity you can do as a family, or your child can choose to do these alone. The books and magazines are especially good for long car rides or traveling in trains and planes because it keeps your child concentrated on the puzzles instead of the long trip. What is great about the logic books and magazines is that there are answers and explanations in the back. This way, your child can see if they are correct and learn how to complete the challenge if they are stumped.
There are also numerous popular games that involve math. Family game time is always a good idea because it creates a bonding time and a fun, comfortable atmosphere for your child to improve their math skills. Popular games that use math and logic include Yahtzee, chess, backgammon, checkers, Connect Four, and dominoes. There are also a vast number of math games available online. Using these family games to improve your child's math skills and enjoyment of mathematics involves much of the same reasoning that the every day math skills does. This time, however, you are setting aside a certain time every week where the family gets to play and bond. This makes your child excited about game time, which means they are also excited about playing the math game.
Math tutoring programs are also an essential tool for parents with struggling students. Even if your child is not struggling, a tutoring program could be useful in increasing their enjoyment of mathematics. Online programs are especially great for math because there are so many math games available online as is. By using an online tutoring program, your child is being introduced to the possibilities on the Internet and may be encouraged to play the math games as well. The online math programs use assessment tests to see which math skills your child needs help with, and then create lesson plans that revolve around these skill gaps.
Showing your child how every day tasks, logic, and games tie into their understanding of math, along with the supplemental instruction provided by tutoring will put you and your student on the way to increasing enjoyment of math. What is most important is providing your child with the skills to succeed so they can gain confidence in their math abilities and have fun while doing so.