7 Ways on How to Help Children Learn Math Facts
Math facts refer to basic math operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) that involve one-digit numbers 0 – 9. Check a few examples:
- 5 + 5 = 10.
- 9 x 9 = 81.
- 8 – 2 = 6.
- 8 ÷ 4 = 2.
The multiplication table also consists of math facts. Teaching standards in many countries require children to memorize multiplication tables and other math facts through repetition and practice.
Teachers give children relevant drills to learn these numeric combinations by heart. They do so for a good reason – math facts comprise one of the pillars of computational fluency and help students perform more complex computations in the future.
Yet, so many children stop and think of 9 + 7 instead of outputting the correct answer instantly. The question is: How to help children with kids’ math, and how to learn maths in a better way? Check seven tips below.
#1 Develop Mathematical Flexibility
Memorizing should go hand in hand with understanding. Do you remember how easier learning the verse becomes if you realize what it’s all about? You might recall the difference when you memorize the words before and after you get the point of what you are learning.
The same goes for math facts. It’s much easier to learn them when you know how they work. So it’s better to emphasize numeric flexibility rather than plain repetition.
For instance, kids will get more comfortable with the multiplication table if they see it as simplified, “compressed” addition. If a student can’t recall how much is 7 x 9, they can instead quickly figure out 7 x 8 = 56 + 7 = 63 or 7 x 10 = 70 – 7 = 63.
Students will know they can always add numbers if they can’t recall some multiplication facts. They will learn to prioritize flexibility. In its turn, numeric flexibility allows students to learn and use math facts fluently.
#2 Make Math Fun
Some children might experience difficulties with math because it feels repetitive and burdening to them. These students might avoid math unintentionally, failing to keep up with their peers.
As a parent, you can make math a bit funnier for your child. After all, little children learn maths through play, developing fine motor and social skills in an enjoyable way. So you can try introducing your child to math games and daily activities that allow children to practice math facts.
Try some addition, subtraction, and multiplication math games, worksheets, and flashcards. These assets will make numbers more digestible to small children. Check these fun math practice ideas:
Card Games
If you feel like your child shouldn’t touch cards, skip this point. If you don’t, you can buy a deck of cards to sharpen math skills with your child. For instance, play a game of 21 (Blackjack). It trains addition skills and fosters children to think logically and calculate the opponent’s moves.
Board Games
Classic monopoly is money, place values, addition, and subtraction practice wrapped in a fun game that teaches basic business skills. This board game and many others will help your child strengthen math facts without even noticing it.
#3 Build Daily Activities Around Math Facts
How often do you calculate numbers while cooking or going shopping? You might not notice this, but you do math a lot during the day. So let your child also realize that math spreads far beyond workbooks. It’s everywhere. Try speaking more math terms at home:
- Invite your children to the kitchen and ask them for help. Plenty of calculations happen there.
- Give your children some pocket money. Cash will help children learn to work with assets, subtract, divide, and multiply them while planning their budgets.
#4 Get a Set of Magnetic Numbers
Another way to add entertainment to math facts is to use a set of magnetic numbers and a magnetic board. Children can utilize more information channels by touching, grabbing, and arranging numbers on the board. Mental efforts supported with sensory information will better engrave in the long-term memory, allowing students to strengthen their math skills.
#5 Let Your Children Learn Math Facts Through Computer Games
Children spend a heavy chunk of the day playing video games or watching YouTube. But you would love it if your child studied at the PC instead of playing, wouldn’t you? You can make it happen with math video games. As fun as regular arcade/adventure video games, these add a learning aspect to the equation. You can find hundreds of math games that center around math facts.
#6 Play Math Songs
Math songs develop number sense through catchy rhymes, simple lyrics, and fun melodies. But you can play them to reinforce math facts. For example, simple addition songs that repeat addition facts will help little kids memorize 5 + 5, 4 + 4, and other simple number combinations.
Music and movements resonate with children very well and allow them to focus more on the math topic involved. Most importantly, math facts presented through fun music help children understand them.
#7 Get an Online Math Tutor
Children might underperform in school math for thousands of reasons, from shyness to bad teaching skills of the school tutor. Another point to consider: a school teacher is physically unable to dedicate as much attention to a single student as an individual tutor.
That’s why you can opt for 1-to-1 math classes for kids if your child needs extra attention. Personalized math lessons don’t feel like school. Additionally, students can get valuable insights into how math works and figure out math facts under careful supervision.
The Bottom Line
It’s not a problem if your child doesn’t feel as easy about math facts as their peers. You can help your kid strengthen math skills by hiring a tutor, playing math songs and games, practicing math facts through day-to-day activities, and more.
