Figures, Fractions, Signs and Symbols are part of the exciting world of mathematics. Some kids have a passionate dislike of math, and this sometimes has to do with a simple fact: the way they’ve been taught. Maybe it was just a bad experience in elementary school, but somehow it served to seal his fate and from then on math was just a dirty word.

How about we consider these methods as we introduce our children to the world of mathematics?

1. Be positive with math: Our children like to imitate us; if we send them a negative message about our own experiences, they may just accept it and believe their own experiences will be the same. So don’t complain about how much you hated math in school and definitely don’t make cussing comments like you’re lucky you learned to count as that’s all you need in life.

2. Treat math as exciting: Use shiny objects to explain the basics of addition and subtraction. This is the beauty of math. It opens you up to a world of opportunities. I used my tiles to explain the concept of area. Apples and other colorful fruits can be used to demonstrate easy addition and subtraction. Fractions are best understood when they can be visualized, so use your regular picture puzzles to explain fractions: they’re parts of a whole, why not? The same applies to the pieces of apples and oranges. Flash cards and games also spark interest: some teachers/parents use math smart card games. Download some of the free math worksheets and resources online; some are very creative. I cannot stress this enough. The Internet has a wealth of fun math resources.

3. Treat math as part of playtime – This is an extension of number 2. This should alert you that you can take math outdoors. As you walk or bike outside, you will notice house numbers on both sides of the street. Use this as an opportunity to explain odd and even numbers. Encourage children to count their toys, such as cars, dolls, action figures, Lego pieces. Buy stimulating toys like puzzles and spatial toys like shapes and blocks to spark that interest in geometry. This allows you to integrate math without appearing to be pushing them to learn.

4. Treat math as part of your daily life: Math has practical uses and children need to understand this early on. If they receive an allowance, they will need to count their money, and if they spend, they will need to get the correct change and know how much is left over. They are growing up and will love this fact. Let them fill out their own height chart. When they help you in the kitchen, let them help you measure the flour for baking cookies. They can also calculate how many slices of pizza each person can get or how many batteries need to be used from the pack. to feed their toys. These are just a few simple ideas.

5. Combine math with reading: There are plenty of children’s books on math, and who doesn’t like a lot? Imagine you’re getting a 2-for-1 offer, with the opportunity for your child to enjoy reading and math at the same time. The Sir Cumference series comes to mind with its attractive illustrations and adventures. Less than zero is another. Gives a good introduction to the concept of negative numbers. Also One Hundred Hungry Ants also attracts children. Well, who doesn’t like bugs? Check online stores where you can read reviews, but remember to make sure the reading level is no more advanced than necessary to convey math concepts. If that’s the case, that will just take the fun out of it and frustrate your kids.

This gives me the opportunity to publicize World Mathematics Day which took place on the first Wednesday of March. There, students of all ages from all over the world went online (it’s free) to play mental math games with each other. Last year 287,000 students from 98 countries participated to answer more than 38 million questions. This year they were hoping to surpass 50 million questions and they did it magnificently answering over 150 million questions and I’m sure they had a lot of fun doing it.

We can help our children enjoy math by showing them that math can be fun too.