Some kids are naturally able to relate words with quantities of measurement, but they will still need your help to refine their understanding of mathematical concepts. This is why teaching your kids math and developing their number sense on time is very important. If you are unsure of how to develop your kid’s number sense, you can follow some of these simple strategies: Noticing Everyday Math Children learn better when they visualize things, and you explain these things to them in simple words using simple exercises. When you visit the grocery store with your child, talk to them about the different prices, quantity and sizes. Explain fractions to them as you measure the ingredients for cooking and baking, and use other everyday situations to give examples of math problems. If your children can see how math is important in day to day living, they will be more excited about learning how to solve math problems. Verbalizing Math Concepts Kids learn better when they can visualize and verbalize the things they have learned. This is why you should encourage your kids to explain to you how they solved a problem, so that they can remember it. When you help your kids with their assignment, ask them questions like how they plan on solving the math problems. This will help build your kid’s number sense. Also, use words like ‘near’ and ‘far’, ‘big’ and ‘small’ or ‘more’ and ‘less’ more often while chatting with your kids. Using the right math vocabulary in day to day conversations helps little kids to relate to their assignments. Make Estimates and Predictions Make your child practice and understand estimation better by putting them through some simple exercises. Ask them to guess quantities and surprise them by later telling the actual value. Tell them how close their answers were to motivate them in their learning practice. For example, place some sweets in a bowl, and then ask your children if they can give you an ‘estimate’ of how many candies are in the bowl. They may be able to surprise you with a very close answer. You can continue this practice when you go out too. Ask your child how many cars are parked in the lane at the parking lot! Play Interesting Math Games Spending a fun time with your children might be the best way to stimulate their skills. Easy Math games brace the mathematical skills for kids and also assist them to gear up for bigger challenges. Introduce them to entertaining activities and teach them new techniques while they are at it. For example, you can show him how to arrange his blocks in a specific pattern and then assist him to duplicate your actions. This is a great way to teach patterns or sequences. When kids play with toy cars or kitchen sets, have them sort their toys in groups. For instance, separate the toy trucks with the toy cars or the kitchen pots and pans with the spoons. This activity will brace their sorting skills. They may also take interest in counting as they count how many objects are there in each group. Cooking and Measurement Dwelling between length, height and weight might be one of the trickiest parts for toddlers. Although some children grasp it quickly, most of the little ones have trouble understanding the concept and have the least comprehension of it. Fortunately, the way to fill up the lack is very convenient. Let them play a part in your house chores and see how these keen observers grab onto tricky math concepts. Engage your children in your cooking routine and show them how you use the measuring cup. Make cookies with your little angels and demonstrate what’s two cups of flour and what’s two and a half. You can then give them clear instructions to fill the measuring cup according to the recipe. The next time your children might want to bake a cake! Using The Tape measure When your children are ready to take the game to the next level, you may introduce them to your tape measure and show them how you take lengths of their arms and legs for their clothes. Remember that children are excited by new objects of learning. Hand them over your tape measure and let them explore. Your children might even take measurements of their shirts, shorts and shoes! They will familiarize themselves with inches and centimeters without even knowing. All they need is the right direction from their guardian. Your children will need all the help they can get as they are introduced to new math concepts every day. With our free printable kindergarten math worksheets, you can help your kids practice what they already know, as well as learn new things.
