“Why should kids learn math?”
Ever seen a house built without a foundation? It would be almost impossible for a house without a foundation to stand for long, wouldn’t it?
Consider mathematics to be the foundation; it lays the groundwork for most subjects because it adopts quantitative and qualitative reasoning which are vital learning blocks.
Establishing this foundation early in kids is crucial since it plays a significant role in their development and helps them interpret the world around them.
This explains why a second grade math lesson works immense wonders. Mathematics is the first language children recognize because they are aware of patterns and shapes before they utter their first word.
Why are interactive math lessons for kids important?
Learning math with kids may seem insurmountable, and if not handled properly could lead to math anxiety, and a general lack of motivation for math.
Teaching mathematics to kids could seem intimidating if you do not know how to crack the code. Not every child is a fan, or has a good background with math, which is why the learning process should be interactive, engaging, and fun.
Some kids place math on the difficulty pedestal and so, the best way to learn math is through interactive math lessons; put the mat in math!.
Interactive math lessons make math fun, approachable and relatable to kids by immersing them in activities that help retain information. In addition to making math fun, interactive math lessons imbue kids with math skills and life skills too.
- Problem-solving: Solving word problems, which are an integral part of second grade math lessons can improve a child’s problem-solving skills, which could translate to their ability to solve real-life problems.
- Logical thinking: Kids are innately curious about everything. Interactive math lessons help develop this innate curiosity by making them enthusiastically approach and analyze problems logically and systematically. Mathematics is a logic-based tool that encourages kids to think critically and out of the box, thus enhancing their creativity and imagination.
- Managing failure: When kids get the answers to mathematical problems wrong, they understand that it is all part of a learning process, and not the end of the world. Frequently getting correct answers to math problems boosts self-esteem and confidence to address academic challenges.
- Arithmetic skills: Interactive math lessons equip kids with basic arithmetic skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, fraction, amongst others, which are learning blocks for future careers.
- Decision-making: Engaging math lessons encourage kids to make choices between options to arrive at a correct answer; doing this frequently improves their ability to make decisions.
Tips for making math lessons interactive
Now that we know how vital interactive math lessons are for kids, the path to learning becomes smoother. Without interest and participation, teaching kids math would be like mopping the ocean with an ax; no information will be assimilated.
This is why it is crucial for kids to take active interest and participate in math lessons.
To achieve this, math lessons need to be interesting, immersive, and engaging. Here are a few tips on how to do so:
Make it relatable
Using real-life examples to teach math helps them assimilate and retain information easily. When teaching word problems, everyday objects like mangoes, oranges, can be used as examples to bring the subject matter home.
Make it visual
“Seeing is believing” is a phrase that resonates more with kids. Even adults find reading text with pictures more appealing than regular text. Using colorful visual aids when teaching math to kids piques their interest. Number boards and picture books can be used to demonstrate lessons for kids, making the learning experience fun.
Make the learning environment friendly
A friendly learning environment is crucial to making kids interact during math lessons. If kids feel safe; even when they get the answers wrong, they’ll be encouraged to participate without the fear of being made fun of.
Use songs and stories
The use of stories and songs helps get kids involved in math lessons by making it fun and enjoyable. This also helps retain knowledge by memory. Adding cheers when learning some routine like numbers or alphabets makes the lesson exciting and helps retention.
Rewards
For kids, the use of reward is highly beneficial to the learning process. When rewarded for every correct answer, they get encouraged to attempt more questions. The use of rewards like gold stars, applause, and words of affirmation goes a long way when teaching math to kids.
Make it a game
The use of props to make a game during lessons helps pique the interest of the kids because it eliminates the misconception of math as a difficult subject.
Spice up routines
Kids work better with a set routine. When they know what to expect, learning becomes easier. Create a regular routine and spice it up to make it more engaging. You can do this by incorporating learning breaks and substituting lengthy textbooks for interactive videos. This way, kids would be more enthusiastic to learn.
Always personalize
Substituting the names of characters in math books for that of the kids encourages interaction because it helps them visualize the problem from their point of view and tackle them.
Use of math learning apps and games
Using math apps and games to teach kids encourages interaction and participation as it bridges the gap between theoretics and play.
Brain teasers
Integrating brain teasers in the learning routine is a fun way to arouse kids’ interest and attention. In addition, brain teasers help challenge the brain and improve memory.
Outdoor activities
Sometimes the combination of fresh air and math is just right for assimilation of knowledge. Showing kids how math exists in nature is an essential ingredient in the learning recipe. When outdoors, the kids are relaxed and open to store information.
Conclusion
Math remains an essential subject for kids as they climb up the academic ladder.
If you’re looking to equip your child with math skills at a young age, interactive math lessons are the way to go. Incorporate fun games and activities into each lesson and you’ll see a significant improvement in their performance and learning attitude.
We hope these tips help. Good luck!
