Helping Parents to Build Mathematicians
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Greg_Wright]Greg Wright
Maths is an unusual and confused subject in that it is taught, often by non-mathematicians, without reference to its history and meaning.
The result is that mathematics and numeracy are mixed up both in the minds of teachers and pupils. Where something approaching mathematics is taught it is often taught as a technical subject, we teach you a technique, you use it to solve problems. However real maths is not numeracy (numeracy is in fact just a tiny island of the eastern fringes of the mathematical universe!) and real maths is about using your mind creatively, not just churning out answers, especially when you don't really understand where those answers come from.
Here are two pointers that can seriously help children to grow as mathematical thinkers. Firstly maths has a history. Probably the most important person in that history was Euclid who formed much of the branch of maths called Geometry which is fundamental to mathematical thinking and, not surprisingly, is an extremely unpopular subject when it comes to the school curriculum. Euclid's work was important in that he worked out how to start with some logical statements (called axioms) and built them up using logic to deduce new things. He can be thought of as a founding father of Mathematical Proof (and guess what - mathematical proof is an increasingly unpopular subject on the curriculum).
If you can apply and train your mind in the kind of thing that Euclid did you can become a great mathematical thinker too. Now not surprisingly there is a massive gap between school/college maths and university maths. It needn't be that way. As parents you can start to bridge the gap with your children whatever their ages. The way I do that is with very simple mathematical games.
When we sit down for a meal or go on a journey my children ask me, "Please play the questions game!". Any teacher out there will know just how enthusiastic some pupils can be when it comes to answering questions. So we play a simple game where I ask my children a question in turn and they try to answer and secretly help each other. After a while your kids will want to play this game regularly and will play it with each other in school and in the playground. If you can achieve playground math its pretty cool, because you're starting to impact positively not only on your own chidren but also on their peers.
Now if you ask just any old question you won't help much but start to ask questions that build up mathematical thinking and you'll begin to build mathematicians. On www.mathsmentor.com I've placed a large list of questions you can use as a basis for your own questions. Don't just look at the questions look at WHY I've used those questions.
Here are some other pointers for asking questions.
Ask age appropriate questions.
Aim to make your child think for a few seconds or even a few minutes.
Give them time to think.
Occasionally throw in a stupid question - it breaks up the tension.
Don't just use maths questions use general knowledge questions occasionally. Again it breaks up the session nicely and adds to your children's general knowledge.
Ask questions that have real world applications to.
Avoid simple "times" table questions, once your children are confident with tables extend them by throwing in questions from the 13 and 14 times tables, so they have to think about the answer. Try questions like "What is the remainder when 100 is divided by 7?"
Use questions that require a lot of thinking and imagination, like "How many holes are there on a recorder?"
You can help your children to become the mathematicians of the future. Don't rely on the school system do to it alone. Teachers swim against the tide in many ways.
Here's my philosophy:
* Ask good questions.
* Have fun.
* Build great relationships with your children.
* Build great mathematical thinkers. http://www.mathsmentor.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Wright http://EzineArticles.com/?Helping-Parents-to-Build-Mathematicians&id=525786
Related News:
Why Is Math Crucial To Your Kids' Future?
If you are good in math, then you are blessed with lots of career choices that you can get into. Having math skills will enable you to make more money and save you tons of it when it comes to paying for your living expenses. Here is how...
Challenges with Integrated Math
While most Math tutors and parents were taught Mathematics by using traditional method such as memorization, the Integrated Math teaches math in a real-life context.
Football-Themed Math Competition
Solving pre-calculus and calculus problems based on the physics, geometry and ratios of football at the Numbers Crunch high school math competition.
Unfolding Mysteries Using Trigonometry
High School kids are taught to use Trigonometry to figure out how weapons were used at the crime scene.
Family math night gives good game
BY JACI CONRAD-PEARSON, Black Hills Pioneer According to Math Recovery teacher and event organizer Pam Smith, "The first grade teachers were great in ...
Black Hills Pioneer, SD
Math is more than numbers
"Beginning math is boring, let's not pretend otherwise," said Devlin, executive director of the university's Center for the Study of Language and ...
San Jose Mercury News, USA
Related Articles:
How To Choose A Math Tutor In New York
Sometimes the regular school classroom, for a variety of reasons, does not sufficiently improve a student's math skills and achievements. In this situation a math tutor can bring a new perspective to the learning experience that can make the difference between a passing and a failing grade.
Hey, Who Said You Couldn't Do Math? - It's All in Your Head
So you think you can't do math, huh? Well, what if I told you that without even an algebra background I could teach you some calculus right here and now? You don't believe me. I thought so. This unbelief proves how programmed you've been from early on to reject mathematical teachings. Whoever laid this negativity on you really did a number on you. Well, let’s get rid of that negative programming and feed you some really positive stuff.
Learning Math and Loving It with Manipulatives and Games
When we think about methods for teaching children math, the first things that probably come to mind are flash cards, repetition and memorization, pie charts, workbooks, and the like. But one method you may not have thought of, or even heard of, is the use of educational manipulatives and games.
Algebracadabra - Math Shortcuts to Algebra Mastery
Probably the most important fundamental branch of mathematics is algebra. No matter what anyone tells you folks, if your kid is not good at algebra, there is no shot that he will excel in any of the higher branches. In fact, the famous calculus is really a form of "glorified" algebra and this is what I used to tell my high school students all the time. Therefore, if you want your kids to have a chance to study and enter the beautifully intellectual realm of the calculus, then be sure that they have the tools to master algebra.
Do Your Kids a Favor - Take Away the Calculator
The kids of today are so different from those of only a generation ago. Heck. I'm quite computer literate and am pretty good with electronic gadgets, but I can't even place a close second to my two kids' ability with video games and other technological toys. Yet this ability with gadgets has placed our children at a disadvantage as well. You see. They have come to lean too heavily on the electronic calculator, and this dependency has severely weakened their ability in math.
Do You Hate Trigonometry?
For avid haters of trigonometry, this article defends trigonometry by showing how easy it is to work your way through understanding and applying trigonometric identities. The tips given in this article will help students take the first step towards being someone who isn't bothered with trigonometry
Teach Your Kids Algebra: The Quadratic Formula
When I first saw the quadratic formula, I was amazed that there existed such a thing no less a way to derive this elegant formula. For those who remember, this formula gives a sure-fire way of getting the solution to those things we call quadratic, or second-degree equations, in mathematics. For many students, this formula is a nightmare of grand proportions and its mastery seems no more probable than striking it rich with the lottery. However, with some novel techniques and some different approaches, the mastery of this formula—which provides a linchpin to understanding algebra on a deeper level—becomes a walk in the park.
Helping Parents to Build Mathematicians
Real math has almost nothing to do with what is taught in schools. Far too much time is spent teaching children numeracy when they should be learning mathematics. Children are bored by repetitive lessons that turn them off and stop them from acquiring the real mathematical thinking skills that will set them up for the rest of their lives. However a teacher from Worcestershire is bucking this trend, and helping parent to build the mathematicians of the future.
Mental Math, Making Math Fun!
New online tutoring service makes solving complex math problems simple!
Mathematical Myths
Math anxiety has been the concern of most students. Staring at blank papers, constant head scratching, and shaky hands – these are the usual scenarios in a person that is having problems with math. It has been the mission of math educators to present math in the easiest way possible. Aside from the usually tedious “teaching method,” more and more techniques and modes are being presented to students for them to like math.
The Magic of Mathematics
The following article details my love of mathematics and why I call mathematics "magical". In short, there are two sides of the Tao of Life, if you will, that we must keep in balance. On one side, we have reading and writing skills, that allow us to communicate with others. Very important, indeed. Yet, on the other side, we have mathematical skills which are the essence of logical analysis and decision-making skills that pertain to numbers and figures and charts and data.
Math Help Has Never Been This Entertaining
Do you have trouble with math? Do you feel anxious when taking math tests? Do you want to improve your math skills, but don't know where to do this? If any of these problems plague you then look to the Internet for extra help. There are several websites that provide information, lessons, tutors, and even games.
Getting a Tutor - What to Check and Beware Of?
You have just confirmed to hire a tutor from the tuition agency. On the day of the tuition, the private tutor arrives at your doorstep. After welcoming him/her home, what should you as the parent be doing?
Is Math Worth the Sacrifice
For ages and ages, the question has been "Is there any necessity to learn mathematics? I'll never use it in the practical world. My desire is to be a fireman or a cowboy or a news reporter and they don't need to know what a number is. Technological progress makes it even more difficult.
Calculus: The Science of Fluxions
The science of fluxions was Sir Isaac Newton's terminology for the new field of science known today as calculus. Newton and German mathematician Leibnitz appear to have discovered the principles of calculus in about the same time; but Leibnitz published his work first. For years, there was friction between the two countries, England and Germany regarding which country was to take credit for the discovery of calculus.