Teaching Mathematics: How to Make it Fun for Kids

Mathematics is a knowledge essential to children if they want to be successful in school and in their future career. However, not all children are inclined to study numbers and patterns. Many parents and educators are facing this problem. One solution to address this issue is to make learning the subject seem like play for children so that they equate fun with learning and will eventually learn to love the subject. Below are simple tips to incorporate playroom activities to Mathematics lessons:

· To teach mathematical concepts, consider manipulating objects in the environment. For example, in teaching children basic operations of multiplication, addition, division and subtraction, take a set of blocks and sort them into groups according to colour, size or shape. Then, vary the arrangement of the blocks to signify it being added to a group, taken from it to show addition and subtraction or arranged according to a predetermined number to show multiplication and division.
· Teach them basic facts for easy recall. While most of Mathematics involves analysis, the basics of Mathematics involves knowing simple facts by routine. To help children commit this information to memory and retain it, use colourful flash cards with interesting pictures or signs. Everytime a child has difficulty remembering a piece of information such as the symbols for basic operations, remind them of the ocean picture background associated with the division sign, and so forth.
· To help children solve word problems, visualize it for them so that they are able to play around with the concept in their mind. You can achieve this by having them draw a picture or diagram to illustrate it.