How to improve your basic math skills?

 

Math class can be quite fast-paced. In the course of a school year, there is so much to learn. And if your child does not grasp a new math concept right away, they will quickly fall behind. If your child struggles with basic math problems on a daily basis, that doesn’t mean they’re doomed to fail. Some students require more time to develop the problem-solving skills required by math.

If your child is starting to dislike math, keep reading to learn how to improve their skills and confidence, and maybe even make math fun!

Understanding basic math skills is essential

• The basic math skills needed to progress to higher levels of math learning are as follows:
• The addition is the process of adding to a set.
• Subtraction is the removal of something from a set.
• Multiplication is the process of adding equal sets together in groups (2 sets of 3 is the same as 2×3, or 6).
• Division — How many equal sets can be found in a number (12, for example)? 6 groups of 2).
• Percentages — A numerical value in relation to 100.
• Decimals and fractions — Fractions are equal parts of a whole set. In relation to 10, decimals represent a number of parts of a whole. Both of these are in contrast to whole numbers.
• Spatial Reasoning — The relationship between numbers and shapes.

How to improve math skills

How can you assist your child in improving their math skills? Use our top 6 tips to improve your math skills quickly and effectively.

1. Understand the concepts

Although repetition and practice are beneficial, it will be difficult to progress if you do not understand the concept. Fortunately, there are numerous excellent methods for breaking down math concepts. The key is to find one that works best

2. Try game-based learning

Repetition is essential during math practice, but it can become tedious quickly. Nobody enjoys having to copy their times tables over and over again. If math has become a chore, it’s time to make it fun again! Game-based learning is an excellent way to practice new concepts and reinforce previous lessons. It can even make repetition enjoyable.

3. Bring math into daily life

Every day, you use basic math.

Help your child see the math that is all around them as you go about your day:

• Tell them how fast you’re driving to school.
• Calculate the savings you’ll receive on your next Target purchase.
• Calculate how many apples you’ll need to buy at the grocery store.
• While baking, explain how 6 quarter cups equals a cup and a half of flour — then eat some cookies!

4. Make sure you practice every day

Practice can be difficult to implement, particularly with a math-phobic child. This is an excellent time to implement the previously mentioned game-based learning. Alternatively, find an activity that corresponds to their current lesson. Are they studying squares? Create the math link cubes with your hands. Step away from the worksheets and flashcards whenever possible and find practice elsewhere.

5. Sketch word problems

Nothing creates more anxiety than an unexpected word problem. Something about the combination of numbers and words can cause a struggling math student’s brain to shut down. But this does not have to be the case. Many word problems can simply be broken down into steps. One effective method is to sketch it out. How many apples and oranges does Doug have left after he eats two of each? Draw it, talk about it, cross it off, and then count.

6. Engage with a math tutor

If your child is having trouble with big-picture concepts, consider hiring a math tutor. Everyone learns in their own unique way, and you and your child’s teacher may be missing out on that “aha” moment that a little extra time and the right tutor can provide.

It’s incredible when your child finally understands a piece of the math puzzle. If you’re ready for some extra assistance, try a free 1:1 online session with Learning Voyage. Learning Voyage tutors are real teachers who understand how to connect math to children. With the right approach, your child can gain confidence in math and, who knows, they may even begin to enjoy it.