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Parents often get a jump on formal instruction when it comes to language and literacy by reading to their toddlers and teaching the alphabet before their kids ever set foot in a classroom. But getting a head start on mathematics is often restricted to teaching children to count, says Lynn McGarvey, a professor of elementary education at the University of Alberta whose research looks at teaching and learning math in early childhood.
McGarvey says her research focus on instilling mathematical concepts in young learners aims to promote numeracy the way literacy has been emphasized as a foundational educational experience.
"When educators and parents create opportunities for mathematical engagement in day-to-day activities, then children will experience mathematics not just as a skill or a tool, but a way of thinking and being in the world," she says.
McGarvey says there are a few things math-minded parents and early childhood educators can think about when interacting with young learners.
I've tried lots of things to get my kids interested in math. So far, the most effective has been demonstrating the power of purposeful laziness. What are your experiences?
(Score: 2, Insightful) by purpleland on Tuesday March 22 2016, @07:29PM
Demonstrating the mechanics especially in a fun way is always a good practical introduction to math.
Explaining the reason behind the mechanics can come later, and I would hope it is done by someone who does not end up confusing the child, turning them off math as too complex. I like the arithmetic articles mentioned by another poster - math-minded parents or educators should be able to explain arithmetic to a five year old using layman concepts and analogies like dividing up a pizza, instead of having to first define terms like numerators and denominators.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday March 23 2016, @12:26AM
> Demonstrating the mechanics especially in a fun way is always a good practical introduction to math.
[citation needed]
Seriously. You are at odds with practically all current understanding of math education.
Or possibly you didn't look at the screenshots and don't realize what you are saying.
(Score: 2) by Alfred on Wednesday March 23 2016, @01:16PM
Citation: my kid, it worked. He is going through math at twice the 'normal' rate now.
Being at odds with all of the current understanding of math education is perfectly fine because:
1) The current system doesn't work for everyone
2) The current system is going down the drain for those it does work for
The screenshots don't show the whole story. Go watch a video, share the link to let us watch so we can see what else you default to saying is horrible. By the time you get to algebra it isn't really about counting anymore, all the new tricks are manipulating symbols that have rules but not so much meaning. The symbol might as well be a smiley face or a dragon.