Last updated on May 7, 2024 by Kathy
If your child’s least favorite subject is math, they’re not alone. It’s so common, almost expected, that math becomes a child’s least favorite subject. We know that mathematics is a very interesting subject and important in daily life, so why is it so boring to learn?
That’s because we’re teaching math all wrong. In this guide, we’ll look at what’s wrong with teaching math in modern schools. We’ll also look at how moms can make learning fun.
What’s wrong with the way math is taught in schools?
Mathematics educator Maria Droujkova wrote in an article in The Atlantic that modern mathematics education is flawed. The hierarchical progression of counting, addition, subtraction, etc. is actually counterintuitive to the way children think and learn. Mathematics is best learned through game-based activities as these develop our “number sense”. This is critical to all mathematics education.
According to Maria Droujkova and research cited in her Atlantic Monthly article, if we delay math education until the seventh year, it is possible for children to learn math in two years. This includes everything from memorizing PEMDAS to learning advanced calculus.
What moms can learn from this study
Unless mothers can get their children out of school and into a well-structured home education, there is little they can do about how math is taught. However, parents can use this information to improve their children’s relationship with math while improving their skills.
How single mothers teach their children math
If your child struggles with math, chances are they’re being taught in a way that doesn’t bring out the best in them. Here are a few ways moms can help teach their kids math.
Deep understanding of mathematical concepts
Research shows that the mother’s own educational achievements and the child’s learning environment are directly related to the child’s ability to learn mathematics.
Mothers who understand mathematical concepts are better able to teach them to their children, but this is not the only way to improve their children’s education. If parents read to their children, take them to the library, and play with numbers, it teaches their children that learning math is really fun.
While it’s true that practice makes perfect, having the right mindset and being taught by a great teacher can make all the difference. Get your child in the mood to learn!
Using real-world scenarios to teach math
Modern education is modern, but numbers and mathematics are not new concepts. Children used to (and still do if left alone) learn math by applying concepts to real-world scenarios.
For example, let’s say you and your kids are at the grocery store. While you’re in the store, you can ask questions like, “I need two boxes of cereal this week.” Based on the price tag, how much will it cost me? Your child can then use information from their environment to solve problems.
Not only does this allow for some practice, it also directly shows your child how math is used in everyday life. This shows them the importance of understanding mathematics, but does not teach them the importance of understanding mathematics.
You can even solve complex calculus problems. For example, let’s say your child plays an instrument. You can use calculus to calculate the acoustics of any room they play in.
Combine body movements and fingers
You’ve probably watched your child solve math problems with their fingers. Children are quickly taught to break this habit because it is considered childish, but this is far from the truth. Before we were expected to do this, it was normal to use our bodies when doing math.
In fact, the part of the brain used for number representation is related to finger movements. Complete actions, such as walking while talking, are more valuable than words when understanding complex topics. If you encourage your children to move, they will learn math more easily.
Separate math from the fear of failure
This can be the hardest thing for any parent to do, especially since fear of failure or fear in general is often seen as a legitimate motivation. While fear is a great short-term motivator, it is unsustainable in the long term and can actually cause a person to resent or avoid problems altogether.
To know if your child is afraid of math, consider how they approach the subject. If they speak negatively about their abilities or avoid doing homework, these are signs of fear.
It’s not surprising that teachers instill this fear in children because of the grading system.
However, one way to prevent this fear is to praise progress, avoid punishment for failure, and make math fun. With the right instruction, most children can become good at math.
In summary…
Rote learning has its place in academia, but it may take your child completely out of the perspective of learning concepts. If you want your children to learn math, making it fun and applying it to real-life situations is the best way to do it. With the right tools, anyone can learn math!
