How to Learn Math? Strategies for Parents to Aid Kids
reviewed by Jo-ann Caballes
Created on May 31, 2024
Updated on June 10, 2024
Adults who are well-versed in math live happier and more fruitful lives. Isn’t that what we all want for our children?
However, children, just like adults can experience anxiety around studying mathematics. Today we equip you with some strategies to make learning math fun for your child.
Here’s how to help your child develop a strong foundation in math.
How to study math
- Be an active listener in class
- Write down key concepts using abbreviations to save time
- Focus on writing down main ideas, not everything
- Find a study buddy
- Try to explain it to a friend
Studies show that people with strong math skills have better earning potential and are more satisfied in life.
Yet around 25% of children suffer from math-related anxiety which lasts until adulthood.
We have some good news: anyone can learn math effectively.
So, what does that entail, exactly?
Your child should have the inner freedom to want to ask questions.
Adults will refrain from asking questions if they feel it makes them look uninformed. This is amplified for children, who withdraw and, in turn, become hostile towards math.
By keeping them curious, you can create a safe space for them to ask questions and engage in the subject.
How to understand math better
The key to understanding maths easily is to keep things interactive within their study routine.
Here are some math study tips that are sure to help your child look at it in a positive light:
- Break down difficult equations: Simplify things as much as you possibly can and work on these steps individually, until you gradually combine them for a solution.
- Visualization: Humans are visual creatures, so use different visual concepts like color-coded graphs and charts, blocks, and buttons to bring things to life.
- Look for solutions together: Looking for the answer and overcoming a challenge together forges a stronger bond and increases relatability.
Instead of focusing on memorizing, the best way to learn math is to break things down, use visual concepts and look for solutions together.
Acknowledging that you yourself don’t know the answer to the problem if your child gets stuck is a way of building trust and creating a safe space for them.
How to get smarter in math
There is no single best way to be smarter in math. Each child is unique, and so is their learning style. At Brighterly, our regular one-on-one personalized lessons means that your child can easily understand key math concepts and have confidence when it comes to tackling the topic.
Tactics you can apply so that your child can learn math well
Welcome math challenges
When presented with something that appears difficult, children, like adults may sometimes retreat into their shells. Change their growth mindset for math by looking at possible challenges as opportunities for growth.
Celebrate the small wins in learning math
No matter how small, one of the easiest ways to learn math is to praise for progress. It helps boost morale and keeps your child motivated to learn.
Prioritize efforts, not results
In order to become powerful math learners, developing a strong work ethic is much more important than getting perfect scores.
Your child’s mathematical growth requires a positive and supportive environment.
By embracing these math study tips, your child can develop an appreciation for the subject. Remember, patience and encouragement mean the world to them and will be one of the biggest driving factors in their journey.
What is the best way to learn math
There is no one best way to study math. Various strategies work differently for kids.
Traditional math study is usually based on memorization. This presents a problem for children because they don’t understand the “why” when attempting to solve an equation. It doesn’t take long before a feeling of dread takes over them as soon as they see a math problem that needs solving.
At Brighterly, we take a different approach. We believe that knowing the “why” is critical in understanding the “what.”
Taking real-life examples is particularly effective.
For example, feel free to sit down and show them your bills. Then, tell them the weekly grocery shopping budget you work with. Take things a step further by planning out your weekly meals and going grocery shopping with them.
Using real-life examples makes math relatable and relevant, demonstrating its practical applications.
The easy way to learn math
An easy way to learn math is by having fun with it. Your child will learn best by not even knowing they’re learning. It’s time to dust off those board games lying around your home and turn math practice into some friendly competition.
Here are some ideas to learn math easily:
Monopoly madness
Not only will your child learn about money management, addition, and subtraction, but they’ll also fine-tune their strategic planning.
Once they’ve mastered that, take things a step further and multiply the cost of the property with the roll of the die. This will take their multiplication skills to the next level.
Math escape room
Why not create an exciting escape room experience for your child? Instead of the usual puzzles, hide math clues around your house that require them to solve math problems so they can move on to their next clue. Give it a party atmosphere and invite their friends over.
Guess who
Instead of quizzing your child about the physical features of the people on the board, ask questions that involve the number of properties you have pre-set. This can be something like, “Is your person a prime number,” “Is your number even,” or “Is the sum of your number’s digit greater than 7?”
Connect Four
Prepare some math problems that are appropriate with your child’s skill level. Before they can place their piece on the grid they need to correctly solve the problem.
Conclusion
Believe it or not, you can make math entertaining for your child. It just takes the right approach. By applying the above tips for math, you’ll help them build a strong foundation for a love of learning.
Remember that, above all, patience and encouragement are vital in their learning journey.
At Brightley, we know that every child is different, and we’re committed to finding the best way to study math specially for you.
Ready to turn the tables on the subject of math for your child once and for all? Contact us today and make math fun again for your child.
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