Everyday Math Tips
Read these 4 Everyday Math Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Child Education tips and hundreds of other topics.
Pattern Building
Patterning and pattern-building is on of the most useful and most fun concepts to learn.
Patterns are used in math as well as reading and invite children to explore symmetry and multiplcation.
*Using yarn and pasta, string necklaces in a pattern (two penne, one wagon wheel, two penne...)
*Using colored "o" shaped cereal, make a necklace using color patterns, alternating colors. You can then eat the necklace!
*Place paper over an object with a raised pattern and rub a crayon over it to see the pattern on paper.
Comparisons
Bigger, smaller, heavier, lighter, longer, shorter: these are all comparisons. We use them to describe objects and they help children develop measurement skills.
Try these comparison games/activities:
*Make parachutes using a square handkerchiefs and paper cups. Place different items in the cups and drop from a high place (ie: top of staircase). Have your child predict which parachute will land first.
*Put different objects into a paper bag (an apple, stuffed animal, keys, toy car, etc). Have your child close his eyes and choose two items from the bag. Compare the items, which is softer, heavier, smaller?
Basic Math Concepts
Teaching children math is much more than just pages of addition and subtraction, word problems about trains going different speeds, and the circumference of a circle.
Your child will build a broad and firm math foundation when he learns about:
comparisons
patterning
sorting/classifying
counting methods (forward, backward, by 10's)
All of these concepts can easily be taught at home and in everyday experiences without your child even knowing he's learning math!
Sorting & Classifying
Teaching children how to sort and classify things encourages them to think analytically and geometrically.
Play these classifying games:
*Give your child a "group title" (ie: foods, vehicles, or things to read") and have her come up with items that fall into that category ("things to read" might include books, magazines, newspapers)
*Give your child a list of items and have her tell you what they all have in common (ie:apple, banana, cherry are all "fruits")
*Randomly collect a bunch of small objects (marbles, buttons, sponges, feathers, paperclips). Work with your child to sort them as many ways as you can (you can sort by shape, color, size, weight, useful vs non-useful items, household vs outdoor items)
Use your imagination.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Lynne Christen |
