How Young Children Approach Math and how to develop math skills?

Calculations, math, arithmetic, anything related to numbers, and solving problems are said to be cold, logical, math skills, and rigorous. However, math is not as dreadful as it seems to be. And the actual potential and involvement of maths in our daily life are well hidden from the world. Math can be daunting, but only if you, as a parent or educator, introduce it to children in this way. Young children’s minds are very lively. They are always keen to know anything and everything. And when they’re little, they don’t really know if math can be scary. And it can stay that way if they learn to understand and practice math in a fun and playful way from the start.

The question – How young children approach math and how to develop math skills daunts the minds of many parents. Well, you do not have to worry about the thought of teaching math to your child or make them a ‘Math Kid’.

How Teaching Math Can Be Playful

Children are intensely involved in the game, pursuing their own goals, they tend to tackle problems difficult enough to be engaging, but not totally beyond their capabilities. Sticking to a problem, confusing it and solving it in different ways can lead to powerful learning. In addition, when several children are facing the same problem, they often come up with different approaches, discuss different strategies and learn from each other. These aspects of the game can promote thinking and learning in math, as well as other areas.

Young children who play often reach a state that psychologists define as “flow,” an elusive state of mind in which time seems to fade as they focus deeply on what they are doing. Achieving this ideal state in the classroom requires more than the freedom to play. This type of guided play requires a decision on how and when to give direct instructions. Top 5 Educational Speakers

Ways To Develop Math Skills From An Early Age

Parents often wonder and to some extent even believe that children who are good at math or who love math have some different skills. And often, based on the interests and personality development of the child, parents end up deciding whether their child is a ‘Math Kid’ or not. However, parents and educators need to understand that not all children are equally open to the efforts of their teachers and tutors to participate in math activities.

The truth is, all children have the ability to practice and enjoy math. We can think of people who do well in math as logical, orderly, and analytical. Instead of assuming that a child who shows less interest in math activities is not a mathematician by nature, we can support the child’s potential to learn math. This will help us to think about the child’s participation in positive and meaningful experiences with mathematics.

1. Connect learning math to their interests:

While some kids like to practice math, other kids are more motivated when math is related to something they’re already interested in. As a parent, you know what interests your child, all you have to do is include math in their daily routine. You can probably involve them during the cooking and have them measure themselves. Or just while you are driving it can be helpful to count the number of gas pumps you pass through or to count the milestones and the numbers written on them.

2. Learn about the thinking of children and show them genuine interest:

Children who feel like they are being asked or tested may be reluctant to speak and do the math. But children themselves can be willing and excited to share their ideas when they see an adult who is genuinely interested in what they are thinking. When a child solves a math problem, try asking them, “How did that solve that?” Listen with genuine curiosity to what he says.

3. Play math games:

There are many games in the market that promise to help you with math education. Or you can also create your own math puzzles and games using your creativity. Play a math scavenger hunt or start counting basic skills with blocks. Math can become something they enjoy rather than an educational exercise if taught in a playful manner.

4. Invest in an abacus:

Even the smallest of hands love to slide the abacus beads back and forth along the wire. An abacus can be used to teach children about addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. With an abacus, children develop problem-solving skills. There is the logic behind using an abacus, so make sure the kids know which group of numbers each color bead represents in order to use it accurately.

The most important role of educators and parents, when it comes to math, should be to find frequent opportunities to help children think about and deepen the math that arises in their daily activities, conversations, and games, as well. Kumon understands that every child has different potential and hence offers an exclusive Kumon Method of teaching and learning to reach the full potential of the child. Attend our free orientation and assessment program to know more about Kumon.