Love it or hate it but at the end of the day, there’s no running away from Mathematics. Unfortunately, this kind of reasoning isn’t likely to work if your child doesn’t sit well with numbers. Well then, it’s time to be more creative and step up your game with these no-sweat ways to make Math more enjoyable for preschoolers.
Turn it into a game
Hype up the learning process through experiential activities. Instead of convincing your child to learn Math the conventional way—by looking at numbers and solving problems—why don’t you consider turning it into a game? You can use tools like cards or board games that encourage her to calculate or incorporate creative objects as you teach her Math concepts. You can even turn it into a friendly competition with some of your child’s friends.
Take advantage of technology
If there’s one thing kids absolutely love nowadays, it’s their gadgets. While overuse of gadgets may have dangerous effect on kids, knowing how to use it to your advantage will go a long way. In this case, it’s making Math a fun subject to learn. There are plenty of apps you can choose from such as Number Frames, Math & Magic, and Operation Math. Just make sure to set some limit on your child’s gadget screen time.
Reward them for a job well done
Children appreciate positive reinforcement and rewarding them, even with just a little gift, when they successfully achieve a goal will keep them motivated. This will make them look forward to Math time and will show them the value of focus and hard work.
Use visuals and picture books
Learning about numbers requires imagination too, so don’t just use paper and pen then expect your child to be thoroughly engaged. You can teach her how to calculate using the good old ways but utilising picture books and visuals can help her learn faster. Consider using charts and pictographs when trying to teach topics, from basic counting to calculating.
Integrate Math into your child’s interests
You can make your child understand that knowing Math is a life skill by showing its practical applications, particularly in her interests. Does your little one like sports? Incorporate the numbers used during games, such as scores and percentage wins, in his learning. If your child likes to bake, make him figure out the number of eggs or the amount of flour you need for your cake.
Make Math a part of her life
Learning Math doesn’t just strengthen your child’s ability to compute. It also develops a host of other skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, which are useful in all aspects of life. So if you’re going to shop at the grocery, bring your child with you and ask her to help you find out your bill. With these, she’ll get to learn the importance of Math in her everyday life and will be more enthusiastic to learn about it.
Go outside
Instead of conducting Math time inside the house, why don’t you go to the nearest park and use nature as another tool? It’s not only a new way to teach your child Math, but can be a relaxing one too.
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