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Maths is an important part of the UK curriculum, and a compulsory subject until the end of GCSE level. It allows children to develop multiple skills, like problem-solving, reasoning, and mental discipline. Parents can help their children progress in this subject by helping them at home. You’re probably wondering where to start, so here are some tips from a secondary school in Somerset.
Practise with Everyday Situations
Maths is applied to various everyday situations, so try and encourage your child to practise where possible. For example, next time you go shopping together, ask your child to calculate how much your goods will add up to so that you can give the assistant the correct amount of money. Ask them to figure out how much change you will need if you pay with a particular note. Cooking is another area where maths is applied, as there is a lot of weighing and measuring involved. So, be sure to ask your child to help you out in the kitchen once in a while.
Find Some Online Games & Learning Resources
Reading from a book can feel too much like school, but if you ask your child to play a mathematical game online it will make the experience more fun and inspiring. If you’re struggling to find appropriate learning tools online, have a chat with your child’s teacher and see if they can recommend some.
Play Mathematical Board Games
Board games are another way to make maths fun. Monopoly, for example, will require your child to carry out simple sums, like addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Snakes and Ladders is another game that requires basic numeracy skills and is ideal for younger children.
Be Positive About Maths
There’s no point in taking extra steps at home to practise maths with your child if you are going to demonstrate a negative attitude towards it. Saying things like “I hated maths as a child” or “Maths was my least favourite subject at school” will only put your child off and they will be more likely to adopt the same attitude. With that said, try and be as positive as possible.