There Should Be No Such Thing as Boring Mathematics

Even the most brilliant mathematician has undoubtedly felt like giving up at some point in their lives. Math can be a challenging subject for some children.  

If it is likened to a novice’s ability to grasp sign language or to striking up a conversation with a native speaker of a foreign language, then perhaps those who are strong at it can appreciate how some of those who struggle do so. See, when learning a new language, you may catch up on isolated words or phrases, but the entire discussion may be lost on you. This is how some students feel when they don’t have the necessary math skills in school.  

In other words, not every child automatically “speak Maths”! 

Sirwiss reached out to our math tutors in this post to help you understand what you should be doing if your child is suffering in math. Continue reading for helpful advice on how to begin mathematical studies at a young age. 

Why Mathematics So Important 

Do you ever stop to consider why math is so important? It’s because mathematics is vital for making sense of the world around us. Even if you don’t use arithmetic on a daily basis, it’s still important since it helps us make sense of the world around us, from the environment to the financial markets. This comprehension is vital for us to make good choices in our personal and professional life. Knowing this, it’s not shocking that professionals think it’s important for youngsters to begin arithmetic instruction from a young age. 

1. Critical Thinking Skills in Children: Children, as any parent knows, are naturally inquisitive beings. They are always curious as to why things are the way they are and how they may be changed. Children’s natural curiosity is what helps them develop critical thinking skills. Math is the best subject for developing critical thinking skills. Arithmetic requires students to slow down, examine a problem, and come up with a logical answer. It also helps students to think outside the box and discover alternative solutions to problems. As a result, math can help youngsters develop the necessary skills for success in school and in life. 

2. Creates a Sound Mind: One study found that children who do arithmetic on a regular basis develop better brains. Children who solve arithmetic problems on a daily basis show elevated activity in brain areas that are linked to attention and focus. These children also had more effective brain connections between these locations. This data implies that early exposure to math can help kids train their brains to focus for longer periods of time. This has the potential to boost cognitive ability and result in enhanced academic achievement. 

3. Helps Children Learn to Accept Failure: There will always be moments of failure in our lives. It’s an inevitable element of being human. The ability to bounce back from setbacks is essential, though. Children can learn to deal with setbacks in a positive manner by engaging in math. Youngsters should view their mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow when tackling arithmetic problems. In doing so, they come to embrace setbacks as necessary steps on the path to success and adopt a development mentality. 

4. Motivates Young People to Persist: The fundamental assumption behind the study of mathematics is the belief that one’s intelligence is not innate but can be developed through focused effort. Kids with a growth mindset aren’t easily discouraged and instead focus on improving themselves. They have the insight to know that failure is not the end of the road but rather an opportunity to learn and improve. This encourages people to keep going even when things get tough. This makes them more likely to be strong and successful even while facing challenges. 

5. Teaching Children How to Make Choices: We use the ability to make decisions on a daily basis, frequently without giving much thought to it. Math, surprisingly, can teach kids how to make better choices in life. This is because making decisions based on a variety of factors is essential in math. This approach teaches kids to weigh the pros and drawbacks of their options and to make rational decisions. When deciding how to spend their allowance, for instance, children must think about both the amount available and the items they want to purchase. Math can aid kids in developing this critical decision-making process. 

Math is everywhere! 

Every day, toddlers acquire new abilities. With each passing month, they learn new things and improve their intellectual capacity. Your kid can take advantage of a wide variety of educational options. They will pick up a lot of knowledge and abilities from observing and engaging with the world around them, but there are some things you’ll need to help them with.  

About 18 months of age, some children may show an interest in numbers and counting. Hearing you count to 10 over and over again could be the first step in teaching your youngster to count. They will see the figures, but they won’t know what they imply. Around the age of two, infants will start to make the connection between numbers and the act of counting. You may instill this skill in children by regularly counting with them and introducing them to numbers in the context of their everyday lives.  

They will start to make the connection between numbers and counting things around the age of two. You may instill this skill in children by regularly counting with them and introducing them to numbers in the context of their everyday lives. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to teach your child to count and how fast they learn once you show them the ropes. It’s simple to incorporate numbers into everyday conversation with your child by pointing out things like the number of automobiles in the driveway, the number of apples on his plate, or the number of cups on the table. 

Teaching Toddlers Counting and Numbers 

Use these strategies with the following games and activities, your kid will be counting in no time! 

1. Be consistent. Don’t stop reinforcing your kid with the importance of learning their numbers and counting after you’ve started! Do it as often as possible and in as many settings as you can. 

2. You count first. Don’t put too much pressure on your child while you’re first teaching him or her to count. That will do them a world of good if you just clout yourself so they can hear you. 

3. Give them the opportunity to do it themselves. Make sure they are reiterating the numbers with you after you have been counting with them regularly. 

Simple Strategies for Teaching Your Toddler to Count 

First and foremost, have the utmost patience when trying to teach your toddlers anything. Don’t make the first few moments of learning a new subject a stressful and unpleasant experience for you and your child. Have fun with these easy techniques and remember to give your child time to absorb all of these new ideas at his or her own pace. 

1. Counting with Food 

This is a fantastic approach to practice counting with snacks for children who are motivated by food. Have your kid count out the Goldfish, pretzels, gummies, crackers, etc. if they ask for them. Have them count to a certain number and then ask you for that number. 

2. Count the Toys 

Ask your child to keep track of how many toys they’re using while playing. Playing with bricks, Legos, dolls, etc., provides many opportunities to practice counting. Get children to sort their toys by color and count only the red or blue ones. Give them a specific shape or number of objects to look for and tally up. 

3. Let’s Count the Stairs, shall we? 

Have your youngster keep count of the steps as you ascend the staircase together. As kids gain an understanding of counting, you might have them repeat the numbers after you as they take a step. 

4. Having Fun with the Stickers 

Have your young child practice counting by putting down a set number of stickers or stamps on paper. In the end, have them tally up all of the stickers. Make sure they are counting by pointing to each item as they go. 

5. Throw Ball and Count How Many Times 

Have fun with your little one by rolling or tossing a ball back and forth. Together, keep track of how many times they and you both throw the ball. 

6. Let’s Jump 

Have your kiddo count off loudly as they bounce on the couch, bed, trampoline, or even the ground. 

7. Walking on the Sidewalk 

Take your youngster on a walk around the block and point out all the items you can count in the environment. Let your kid to count the number of things around the house, like automobiles in the driveway, houses on the street, trees, flowers in the garden, etc. Many opportunities for tallying exist in the great outdoors. 

8. Can They Tell Is It More or Less 

Create two piles of various stuff (snacks or toys), one with more and one with fewer. Inform your youngster which pile has more and which has less objects. This is a crucial topic to comprehend since it helps them understand what numbers signify. As a result, if they see 5 of something and 2 of something, they will realize which has more or less of it. 

9. Shape Identification 

Recognizing shapes by their total number of sides helps kids develop their math skills. Use the number of sides to help your youngster recognize different shapes. 

10. Divide and Sort into Cups 

Muffin tins are a fantastic multipurpose kitchen tool. Put various items or playthings into the muffin cups. Sort objects by color or shape, or have your youngster count how many are in each cup. 

As early as the age of three, children can begin to learn basic math concepts. Formal math education, however, typically starts in the first grade. It’s ideal to introduce children to fundamental ideas as early as possible, best of luck!