In this article we present five tips ways to connect more with math and improve your skills.
Building math skills may be difficult if it seems like there is a lot to learn. It starts by looking at maths in a whole new way!
Our goal is to help students see that math is not just a subject we must get through in school, but a way of understanding the world around us.
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Math in the Real World
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One way children can connect with math inthe real world is through play. Setting up a “grocery store” type play area can help children build their financial literacy.
The Melissa and Doug grocery store helps children set up their own prices as they sell their groceries or lemons from their lemonade stand.
Improve Math Skills Video
Watch our video and let us know in the comments below (or on our YouTube channel) if you agree with our tips on helping students to improve their math learning skills.
Now on to the tips!
5 Ways to Enjoy Math
The five tips are below. We hope teachers and parents will also find these tips useful when encouraging students to improve their math
I. Enjoy Math Outside The Classroom
Try not to see math as a subject you have to learn in the classroom, but as it appears in every day life outside the classroom!
You can learn to enjoy math if you see it as just a part of everyday activities, like with shopping, cooking, or counting how many steps it takes from your couch to the refrigerator!
How many steps did you take today?
It’s also important to know when spending money so that you don’t end up paying too much!
II. Math As a Way To Connect With Others
Look at math as an opportunity to connect with others all over the world in trying to explain or understand concepts universally understood around the world.
Just imagine, people around the world speak different languages, but yet when understanding math concepts, our connected understanding of the concepts in math can unite us all!
III. Find Math Support Networks
Just as with other matters in life, we could all use a little help when we are not sure as to how to solve math problems.
Finding support networks can make the pressures of learning easier when you work with others, whether it be in the classroom or online.
IV. See Math As A Language!
All languages have vocabulary that is unique to understanding what needs to be said. The same is true for mathematics.
If you start to get in the habit of using math vocabulary as you are explaining your answers whether through spoken or written language, then you will find it very easy to communicate with anyone willing to listen!
V. Share Math Knowledge
Being able to share your ideas and knowledge about math, is just as important as understanding the concepts in the first place.
Be that help someone is looking for, it will make you feel better about being able to help others in need, and build your confidence in better understanding the subject, so that everyone wins!
Related Topics
Check out our other articles related to math teaching and learning.
- Teachers, see what strategies we think will help make math less hard for students
- Students, learn how to confidently build your math skills
- Click here to learn more about improving problem solving skills in maths
- Teachers, see what other strategies will make math learning easier
- Click here to learn more about Math as a Language.
- See what resources we think will help with math
- Check out our student blogs for more topics in education
- Read more about the connections between emotions and learning
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Final Thoughts…
In my 20 years of teaching maths I always encourage students to see the benefits to maths.
Students appreciate math more if it’s practical – like learning about it as it comes to money, and would like to see more.
As teachers we need to peak students’ curiosity and it’s always important to keep them involved.
Part of the steps to becoming better in maths, I believe, starts with a positive mindset. Once we have this positive mindset, we can remember and enjoy these simple tips to improving math skills.
Share Your Thoughts
Do you agree with our tips? What tips do you recommend people use with math learning? Let us know in the comments below!
