When you ask your child what their least favourite subject at school is, maths is usually the answer that crops up. This is usually due to lack of understanding or difficulty in the subject which can lead to maths anxiety. This is the feeling of constant frustration when it comes to studying and can end up creating a child who lacks confidence in the subject. One of the best ways to help a child avoid this is by reintroducing maths as a subject that is fun and approachable. Not only will this make the subject easier for them to study, but it can remove the mental block created, making maths a subject that is desired to learn. On the search for some tips? Here are 5 ways to make maths more fun for children.
1. Maths games. Gamification, the process of applying elements of game playing to simple activities to encourage engagement, is one of the best ways to make maths seem exciting to children. Most of the time, the method of sitting at a desk with a pen and paper, completing sums, is not the most effective way to help a child understand maths. Whether it is online or in person, maths games are one of the greatest ways to engage students in this difficult subject. Popular activities include card and board games, that help students work on basic maths facts and solidify their foundation in the subject.
2. Visual aids. If you have a classroom full of visual learners, illustrated books and charts can help them understand new concepts and provide reference points. You can practice activities where students use their creativity and imagination to make their own visual aids, to help them remember key terms and new concepts. The good news is, there are plenty of sites readily available, that can make these activities easy to set up.
3. Add a little creativity in lessons. It’s common knowledge that children get bored of repetitive activities. If they connect maths with lack of creativity, naturally they will start to lose interest in it. Occasionally, put down the worksheets and find new ways to teach maths to children. One way to do this is by finding real life examples to teach formulas to students. The inclusion of non-educational topics that they find interesting will automatically have them hooked. Look into what the current trend on social media is or what the most popular game is to play. Making small references to things they are already familiar with will help remove the mental block and show that maths can be applied in every area of life.
4. Integrate technology. One thing all students love is technology. The good news is, there are many educational resources online that can be used to change up the style of math learning in class.With the addition of YouTube videos or interactive activities, children will be able to practice their maths skills with ease.
5. Motivate them. A simple reward system can do just the trick. Find something the children really desire and allow it to motivate them to work hard in lessons. In a classroom, having a shared goal will build excitement and bring about a strong want to complete maths to the best of their abilities.
