Is Your Child Afraid Of Maths? Here's How You Can Make It Fun

I hate Maths. I just cannot add numbers. Ugh, I wish I didn’t have Math in the curriculum.

These are the most common refrains from school going children down the ages. Teachers play a very crucial role, especially in the age group of 7-11 years. If the teacher teaches the subject well there is a maximum chance of children loving the subject. Sometimes in spite of a great teacher your child may be struggling and does not know to communicate this to you. The report card comes home and you are shaken out of your reverie.

You thought your child was doing quite well but the marks or grades have proved wrong.It all boils down to understanding- understanding the numbers, symbols, and the idea of computing.

Early Signs That Your Child Is Struggling With Maths

Here are some early signs that you need to watch out for to know whether your child is struggling with Maths or not. Look out for signs as early as possible. From the first day of school be alert:

1. Is your child postponing the Maths homework?
2. Is he doing sums out of rote memory?
3. Difficulty in computing (any addition or subtraction).
4. Difficulty in sequencing.
5. Difficulty in identifying symbols or number.
6. Difficulty in carrying over the concepts to practical applications.
7. Difficulty in visualizing 2d and 3d shapes.
8. Unable to recall mathematical equations, formula and steps.
9. Difficulty in solving midway.
10. Difficulty in processing a problem.
11. Difficulty in being precise.
12. A child who has linguistic problems will have problems with Maths vocabulary.
13. Unable to do mental Maths.

Also Read: How to make Maths interesting for your child?

How To Make Maths Fun For Your Child?

Maths does not need to be synonymous with terror. Here are some ways you can make Maths fun for your child:

1. Bring Maths in daily life: Make use of the surroundings to prove that Maths is part of our lives. Use the kitchen as a lab to teach measurements and computing.
2. Avoid negative vocabulary regarding Maths: I was never good at Maths so my child is also the same or Maths is boring or I hate Maths or why can’t you understand? Such language will reinforce the child’s thinking that she cannot grasp Maths.
3. Take your child’s Maths Teacher into confidence: Share your concerns with the teacher and try to take him or her into confidence to make the basic fundamentals clear to your child.
4. Mathematical games are fun, too: Play games like checkers and Sudoku. Your child will soon begin to imitate you. Plan a Sudoku night or weekend. You could even have a Sudoku contest for your child and classmates. Games are a wonderful way to inculcate interest.
5. Colorful posters increase the interest: Put up posters of important formula, equations and multiplication tables. In fact, you and your child can create these with materials at home.
6. Shopping and bill paying activity: Maths is more fun when the real money is involved or even in the video games where they have to buy things from virtual money can enhance their mathematical skills. Involve them in shopping and paying the bills.
7. Use Sports: If your child is a cricket or football fan then ask them to look into the statistics or record them. You can teach Mathematical concepts through these sports.

Also Read: From Monster To Magic – Making Maths Fun For Your Child!

So Maths is an inseparable part of our lives. If you as a parent show a positive interest in Maths and take care to strengthen the concepts of your child, he or she will be able to breeze through the subject easily.