How to fall in love with Numbers? - ENJOYING MATHEMATICS

Mathematics is such a subject that is loved by some whereas kept far away by others. Many find the subject uninteresting, dull, and boring. Believe it or not, it is something that can always be loved if presented in a nice and interesting way. Math is interesting and a super mark-fetching subject. We need to connect Math with our day-to-day life and try to understand the importance of the subject. No one can deny that our life is based on calculations. In every step of life, we need to calculate something or the other. Be it time, be it items or money, or anything else, all these need to be counted and calculated. We cannot do anything without Mathematics in our daily life. Let’s start loving the subject and inculcate the need for this in our life. Tell the kids how much they need it. But, how to make them fall in love with Math?

Mathematics is a universal language. It not only resides in numbers but in the hum of music, in patterns of nature, and almost everywhere else. The beauty of math is that its underlying principles remain the same and absolute, no matter where you apply them. Math is present everywhere and thus, is an integral part of our lives. The misfortune, however, is that despite containing so much expanse, beauty, and richness, math remains a severely misunderstood subject. How many times have you heard someone utter the sentence ‘I cannot do Maths’? Well, chances are, that you have said it, too! Many students often wish for some math magic to be bestowed upon them — even if just for the day of their final exams!

We cannot do anything without Mathematics in our daily life. Let’s start loving the subject and inculcate the need of this in our life. Tell the kids how much they need it. But, how to make them fall in love with Math? Here are a few tips that might help –

1. Nurture logical thinking:

Maths is not just about numbers and equations. It is about using logic to arrive at various kinds of conclusions. So, expose your child to logical problems instead of purely mathematical ones. One way you could do this is by introducing her to riddles. Riddles are a fun way your child can practice applying her logical thinking skills in context to the problem without focusing on numbers.

2. Focus on games based on maths:

Well-designed maths games are fun to play and also encourage children to think more strategically and mathematically. These games will give your child an opportunity to explore mathematics outside of academics and have fun while doing it. You can find many maths games on the Internet based on your child’s age and skill level.

3. Give pocket money:

Counting money and keeping a track of his expenses is a great way to teach your child how maths is a part of everyday life. Give your child some pocket money and allow him to deal with numbers on his own. The amount of pocket money need not be much. The important lesson is to teach him to figure out how to calculate the money he needs to pay for things and decide if he has enough.

4. Promote a problem-solving approach:

If your child asks you the answer to a maths problem, do not give him the answer straight away. Instead, help him work it out on his own by steering him in the right direction. For instance, you could tell him what part of the problem he might want to focus on and start solving first. This way he will be able to reach the correct answer himself. It might take a few trials and errors, but he will become more confident about his mathematical abilities and less afraid of the subject if he learns how to solve the problem on his own.

5. Allocate time for maths shows and videos:

Encourage your children to watch maths-based shows. This way, they will not see it as studying but learn a few tricks while getting entertained. You can find such shows on television or the Internet. You can also find other creative maths videos, such as rhyme and song videos, that help children learn maths through music.

6. Give math a chance;

Many times, we fail to understand the important problem and focus our energies on the wrong problem. For instance, you may develop a fixed mindset that you are just not meant for Math and start mugging up formulas to pass the exam, without ever trying to really understand them. A positive attitude with regular practice will help you understand the subject. As Einstein once said, "It’s not that I’m so smart, just that I stay with problems longer."

7. Start Practicing;

There’s no single road to unravelling a math problem. By practicing, you’ll start understanding the concepts behind formulas and equations, and you will find a notable increase in your speed!

The biggest step in developing an interest in math is in believing that it is not a mere subject, but a way of thinking. Convince yourself that Math is indeed fun and important life skill that gives you a logical approach to problem-solving.

I must say that Project-based learning (PBL) is a great way to help learners deepen their conceptual knowledge of key mathematical concepts. Some of the best schools in Guwahati are following this pedagogy. Studies have shown learners learn best when they are active rather than passive learners. The PBL process combines the application of mathematics content with 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. We, at SFS Guwahati, one of the best private CBSE school in Guwahati with Integrated Coaching constantly try to let our students excel in every subject including the very ‘dreadful’ Maths, which most students find tough, with dedicated teachers who give individual attention to the students.

Maths is an interesting subject and these tips will help your child develop an interest in maths and not see it as a subject to be scared of. But, remember that a love for learning is built over time and you must not expect her to start doing maths equations right away.

Teacher and content writer at St. Fransic De Sales School. https://sfsguwahati.ac.in/