Smart strategies to make mathematics fun for kids

Mathematics isn’t a subject that too many kids love. There is no doubt that it is a difficult subject and that’s the reason behind many of them shying away from it. However, if you go beyond paper, pen or pencil and chalkboards to teach math to your little ones they may find it easier to grasp. Here are some smart and creative ideas to make this subject fun for kids.  

Start With Counting 
The first and foremost step towards teaching mathematics to kids is getting them acquainted to numbers. Counting comes next. In order to help your little one pick up this math skill, count objects in front of him and encourage him to repeat after you. This exercise will help him memorize numbers while allowing him to learn counting. Try to use every day physical objects while counting. Fruits, books, buttons, coins are good options.  

Resort to math games 
Let your child have fun while he learns the basic concepts of math. That’s what math games do. While Monopoly teaches simple addition and subtraction, Snake & Ladder introduces kids to numbers from 1 to 100. Math Hopscotch, Prodigy (online game), and dice games are also good options. You can use blocks to teach basic counting. Fun tip: Arrange a game of math scavenger hunt at home. Scribble numbers on the floor with a chalk and ask math questions to your little one. He has to run to the correct number for the answer. 

Cook together 
Cooking involves a lot of mathematical skills. Measuring ingredients, determining portion size and number of servings and calculating time—all these kitchen tasks will help your child develop math skills. Quantifying ingredients teach the concepts of fraction to children while helping them grow a sense of proportion. Similarly, determining cooking helps them grasp basic calculations and learn time management.    

Consider Abacus 
Kids love sliding abacus beads along the wire. This game teaches kids about the essential concepts of math including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Moreover, abacus helps in the development of problem-solving skills.  

Make math relatable 
Incorporate mathematics in the day-to-day life of your child. This will make it easy for her to grasp several mathematical concepts. Grocery shopping can be a very good real-life example of math application. Involve your child in the process if you want her to learn addition and subtraction effectively. You can also ask her to count the number of clothes she is putting in the washing machine and draw her attention towards the number plates of cars. All these will go a long way in helping your child master mathematics.