You’ve read through the descriptions of all the Math programs and have decided on the one that suits your family and your child best. You’ve settled on a schedule and started the daily work. But then your child starts the (very typical) complaint that math isn’t relevant, asking why they have to do it. Many parents respond with “Just do it!” but as a homeschool parent you have the chance of demonstrating why math is so important, and even make the learning fun!
Are fractions making your child fractious? Bake together! Talk about measurements as you bake, asking how many third of a cup scoops you will need to get a full cup of flour, or how many quarter cups go into a half of a cup. Double a recipe and discuss how to double all the individual measurements. Or for a quicker lesson, bring out a handful of smaller coins and discuss how they’re all fractions of a dollar. How many ways can you put together a dollar’s worth of coins? You can even set a timed challenge!
If they’re struggling with remembering how to handle fractions you can play games like Fractions Dominoes or Math Rush 3 or find a fun book like “Fractions in Disguise” to present the information a different way. The same principle can be applied for almost any subject. Geometry? Try cutting up desserts like Jello into different shapes, learn about origami, or build something out of wood. The Sir Cumference books are tremendous at delivering geometry information in engaging stories, and the “Geometrical Designs Coloring Book” can grab the interest of artists.
I am a firm believer that once most children can see the practical value of learning, they’re much more willing to put the time and work in. Once percentages can be tied into interest rates and how they can make money, or fractions can be used to make delicious desserts, math becomes a useful tool to be mastered and not a chore to be complained about. Give it a try!
Michelle - Home School Mom of 4