Authored by Dr. Paul D. Lindstrom, “Help With Math” is taken from his radio program titled “There’s No Place Like Home.”
Number Concepts Require Abstract Thought
Mathematics tends to be an especially difficult course for children. Subjects like history and reading require basis skills and a good memory. Math, on the other hand, demands more. Not only must a child memorize facts, but he must also grasp the concepts behind them. Number concepts are hard for children because they require abstract thought.
If your child is confused by arithmetic, it would be beneficial for you, his parent, to pray with him, but also to spend time helping him with it. If the child understands the concepts, he should have much less trouble working math problems.
The key to teaching math
The key to teaching math to a young child is remember that, generally, children under the age of ten or twelve have not developed the ability to think abstractly. You must find a way to demonstrate abstract concepts just as clearly as possible. When a child counts on his fingers, he is using this method himself. Many teachers use solid objects to introduce math concepts as well. If your child is having difficulty, though, you must give him extra help at home.
Make Learning Fun
Gather a large number of interesting objects. Things like coins, hard candies, small toys, or fruit make good arithmetic aids. Show your child how these solid objects represent numbers. Five plus three equals eight, for example, is a fact your child must learn. It will mean more and will be easier to remember if he understands it. Have him count out a group of five pennies and a group of three pennies. Put both groups in a line and have him count them. He will see, concretely, that five plus three equals eight.
Do the same with subtraction, multiplication and division. Four times three equals twelve, for example. Set out four groups of three marbles. Have the child count them. Or sixteen divided by four equals four. Count out sixteen candies. Group them into sections of four. Have the child count the sections.
Turn It Into A Game
To make learning more fun and help with math, turn it into a game. Set out objects for your child, and have him use them to show you a number concept. Have a sibling or classmate join in, and give points to the one who most quickly arranges the objects correctly.
Help your child to do his best for God’s glory in all areas of academics. If a certain area gives him trouble, help him at home!
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