Parents are always asking me what they can do at home to improve their child's math skills, or that their child dislikes math. So here are some fun easy ideas that will engage your child, and improve their math skills!
1. Cook together
Cooking involves counting, measuring, following directions and sometimes even weighing things, or telling time. All of these skills are important in math. I don't know a kid who doesn't like to cook with the adults in their lives so they will be very engaged, plus you can eat the results of your time together.
2. Give them money
Kids love money, and most of us have random piles of change in our cars, purses or pockets. Give those piles to your kids, and tell them they can keep it of they can count it! They'll learn to count money fast if it literally "pays off".
3. Check in the pantry
Before you make your weekly run to the store have your kids join you in the pantry counting, sorting, and seeing what you have. Then make a list of what you need together.Counting and sorting are both important math skills.
4. Go grocery shopping together
There is more math involved in grocery shopping than you would ever think about. Take your kid with you, but have them help as you shop. Older kids can keep track of how much you have spent and young ones can count out things you need like fruit, veggies, or canned goods. Another great way to practice math in the grocery store is weighing produce. Have your child get a pound of this or two pounds of that.
5. Math fun at the outside
Have a family Olympics and measure how far everyone can jump, time to see who can run the fastest, or see who can lift the most. Any game that requires timing, weighing or measuring is simply math in disguise!
6. Dollar store showdown
Take your kids to the dollar store and give them each a few dollars and see who can buy the most things! Make the rules crazy! For example, does a 25 piece puzzle count as one thing or 25? Should you count each chip in a bag?The crazier the better!
7. Play games
Most board or card games require keeping score or counting of some kind. Use games your kids love to help improve their math skills!
Once you try all of these things try finding other ways to hide math fun in your child's day!
