Maths isn’t the easiest subject for children to get their head around and it’s no less complicated for parents either. Whilst some of us are left brained and good at numerical work, it doesn’t come so naturally to others. If you feel as though your child fits into this category and need support in maths, we have just the tips for you from a boys’ school in London.
Real Life Scenarios
One way that you can offer help is by allowing your child to conceptualise their maths problems. Maths can be difficult for children to get their head around because it’s all letters and numbers. If they have a way to relate to the problems and understand how they apply to real life, they may be more inclined to pay attention in school and understand the themes better.
Solving Problems
Following on from the point above, there are so many ways that we use maths logic day to day whether at the supermarket or calculating the time. If your child is with you, why not get them to put their maths skills to use? It will be good practice and help emphasise how important maths is.
Maths Materials
If you’re struggling, there is a wealth of information and resources which you can find online. Parent forums have been around for some time, and they are useful sources of information to learn about the curriculum and find answers to common questions. Schools change the way that they do things and the methods that you were taught at school may have changed. You will likely need to carry out learning of your own so that you know how to support your child in their maths. Video tutorials detailing the methods and how to explain them can be found online. You can also find videos to supplement the work that you’re doing at home, like maths cartoons.
Practice Makes Perfect
Practice will help them memorise what they’ve been taught and make progress at school. Aside from the homework that they’re set, you can go a step further by carrying out home lessons. To make things fun, you can ask them to teach you as opposed to the other way around. You will be able to gauge how much they’ve taken away and provide support.
Online Maths Games
Another way in which you can help is by looking for fun, interactive means of learning. Children work hard through the week at school, and when at home, they just want some downtime. Maths games will help disguise the fact that they’re actually learning and make it an enjoyable experience. There are dozens which you can find online by just putting in a maths topic, followed by “online maths game” in the search bar.
Hire A Private Tutor
If you’re not so confident on the subject yourself, you may decide to have a private tutor teach your child. You will be surprised at the progress that they can make with just an hour or two a week. Unlike school, they will be taught in a small group, if not on a one-to-one basis which will ensure that they get the level of attention that they need. It can be difficult for children to be heard in a class of 20 to 30 children. They may not also have the confidence to ask if they need to.
Something to Note
This work is all great and will help your child, but just be sure to not overdo it. Be mindful of potentially overworking them. For this we recommend creating a balanced study schedule which includes both study and play.
