More Math Ideas

More Points for Parents and Teachers:
1. To teach difficult math topic slightly go back to basics to brush up.
2. If possible use small pictures to demonstrate an idea for instance to solve a math word problem children could be asked to submit cartoons to illustrate the example with stepwise sketches.
3.Do not comment on the wrong items, just tell about the correct ways to do it.
4.For illustrating a concept flowchart done at the child's age level can be used.
5. Ask the child to tell what it has understood about the problem and the concept.

Learning times tables - The Joyful Way

"Times tables" is one of the most important tools for excellence in math. Knowledge and expertise in it gives lots of confidence in math to children. It takes quite a bit of persuasion to make the child do it, especially in the age of calculators. I feel we need to teach not just to learn times tables but also to teach them creative methods and games to learn them with fun. Just use this game for the 5 table - Buzz. Buzz is played only if at least 5 - 6 children participate. The coordinator ( teacher faces the children ) . Seats are arranged preferably in semi - circular manner. The teacher must be able to see and hear all the children. The game can begin with any child. The child has to speak out 1 , the second child 2 , the third child 3 and so on and so forth, the child who has to speak out the multiples of 5 i.e. all numbers ending with zero or 5 will not speak out the number( 5, 10 or 15) but will say the word Buzz and then the turn will go to the next child. If any non 5 or zero number child calls Buzz or the "Buzz" child calls out the number they are out of the game. Advanced version of the game one could also do the same thing with reversing the calling order of numbers like say begin with 50 or hundred and go backwards to call the numbers and reach 1. Readers of my blog please comment on the game and give suggestions to improve upon Buzz.You May use the same idea to learn other tables. But I suggest do it on a different day and also change the word from Buzz to say HO HO HI HI or something popular and easily memorable, fun and having some association with the table you have chosen.

MATH MYTHS

1. You can learn math only if you have "math gene". Its not everybody's cuppa tea!
2. Math is difficult to understand!
3. Math is for only Genuises!
4. If the left side of your brain isn't your strong , you'll never do well in math!
5. One has to put ten times the effort as compared to other subjects to excel in math!
6. Math has limited methods of teaching.
7. Math is not of much use for career building!

Mathematic

M is for metacognition : Children are to be taught not only the power of thinking, but also the power of awareness to notice their thinking and change it into desired direction. Nowhere it is more useful than in the case of Math. Many a times children take impulsive decisions while solving Math problems. Metacognitive thinking habits will make the child more responsive to math concepts and her clarity, memory about the concepts will also rise.
A is for the attitude that the child has towards math, depending upon the self talk about math. The self talk is usually generated by the child when influenced by peer talk and parents’ approach to math. The dislike, fear and demotivation will determine her progress in Math.
T is for the self talk referred to above – this has to be controlled and reoriented towards a positive direction. How to do it in itself a major task apart from the teaching of Math. Indeed, all the efforts of a sincere teacher, child and parent will go waste if the change in direction of thinking is not done in time and with determination.
H is for humor – use humor, also h is for higher expectations from the underperformer and underachievers.
T is for learning tools and techniques like times tables and recognise math patterns. To learn tools and techniques is equally important as compared to learning math.
E is for energise, exercise to do math work in a given period of time with focus, speed, accuracy and attention. This is to be ready to write for exams.
M is for motivation to do math. This has to inspired from the teacher and the parent with a system of rewards, tasks and raising self esteem.
A is for having a definite aim to learn a skill or understand a concept.
T is to understand the threats that stop the child to learn math. She must understand math.
I is for how the teacher makes the child interested in math stays interested and likes doing it. This is related to the H above and C below.
C is for using creativity to teach and solve math so that the experience becomes memorable.

Motivating Children For Math

To motivate the child for math is not an easy task. We usually assume that if we play a few interesting games or have fun while teaching math, give them a challenge and make it interesting the task is done. I believe this is just the tip of the iceberg we are touching, we need to do more. We need not just to play games, but also involve them in devising and designing the game. Then match the concept to be taught with the materials available to play the game or we will have to get some special materials - list it. To make the experience memorable we can use stories and humor - jokes, incidents etc. Involvement of all the children is desirable if we want consistency. We can involve children by asking them to get materials for the game and allot tasks according to the ability, likes etc.. After the game or the activity is over we can ask them to put it in their math journal in their own way. More on motivation and interest generation in coming posts.

Solving Word Problems

While solving word problems, suddenly the child forgets language. Is it due to math fear or maybe, dislike? It's a matter of research and debate, what I have observed is that does not relate to the concepts and lessons taught. Also there are certain techniques that can make word problems easy to solve. Steps for solving them:
1. Read the problem twice.
2. First identify 2 points - a) What is given ? b) What is to be found out?
3. Further questions: i ) what is the related topic. ii) What is the concept to be applied to solve it? iii) What are the steps to be done to solve it?
4. Most important - What confuses her and what is clear?

More on Math Journal

More benefits.: 1. It will improve your math understanding. 2. It can be used for future strategies.3. To remain focused on math improvement of your child. 4. Pleasant memories!5. Will give insight about your child's behaviour.