Introducing children to the world of math can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Whether it’s by encouraging them to make muddled calculations during a game of Monopoly, or tracing their hand to make a six-sided geometric shape, teaching basic math to children provides a foundation for their future learning.
In this article, we discuss the best practice steps for teaching basic math to children, from knowing the starting point of the lesson to understanding the importance of repetition and reinforcement.
Developing An Understanding
The first step in teaching basic math to children is understanding who is being taught and how it will apply to them. It’s important to know the starting point of the math lesson, as each student may vary in the experience and knowledge they possess.
To do this, an initial assessment should be conducted to garner an understanding of a student’s current math skills and ability to handle more complex concepts. This assessment can include, but isn’t limited to, asking basic questions such as counting, addition/subtraction and skip counting. This understanding is essential as it helps to create a learning plan that is tailored and specific to each student.
The second step is to introduce the foundation concepts. This may include teaching students the meaning of and difference between numbers, the importance of basic operations (add, subtract, divide, multiply) and the ways in which they can be applied.
Giving students examples of real-world applications of these concepts is also an effective way to help them understand the importance of math. This is an essential step when teaching basic math, as it helps to provide an overarching understanding of how the concepts fit into the world and how they can be used in everyday life. The third step to teach basic math is to introduce new concepts in a practical and engaging way.
There is a wide range of methods to choose from when introducing new math concepts to children. Games and activities that involve hands-on work and collaboration are great tools for teaching concepts, as they create an environment of learning that is entertaining and allows for a deeper understanding of the subject.
Other methodologies, such as drawing and labeling graphs, using a variety of resources to teach mathematical concepts and encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking, will also help to reinforce the new concepts students have been presented with and make sure that it sticks.
Reiterating & Practicing
The fourth step of teaching basic math is to ensure that students are steadily reiterating and practicing their new skills and concepts. Reading through and working through exercises, tasks and activities that are developmentally appropriate and custom to the student’s level of understanding is the best way to achieve this.
This is also a great opportunity and time for the student to show off the newfound understanding and newfound skills. Moreover, this repetition and practice of the newly introduced concepts is essential for building and strengthening the foundations for more complex concepts in the future. It’s also important to provide feedback, both verbal and written, when appropriate.
Receiving feedback from an instructor, parent or mentor can help to motivate the student and make sure that he/she is on the right track. Positive feedback can help to build confidence and reinforce their understanding of the techniques and skills being taught.
The fifth step is to test the student’s understanding. This helps to ensure that any gaps in understanding are identified and that the primary goal of the lesson plan has been met. Testing can be done in the form of written exams, quizzes, and other developmentally appropriate activities.
This can be especially helpful if the student is able to submit their answers and receive feedback in real-time.
Addressing & Supplementing Knowledge
The sixth step in teaching basic math is supplementing students’ knowledge by pushing students further than their comfort zone. Introducing more challenging concepts, such as fractions and geometry, or slowly transitioning to more complex processes such as algebra, can provide challenges for students and push them further than their current understanding of the concepts.
This should be done in an age-appropriate way and in relation to the student’s ability and comfort level. The seventh step is to make resources available to the student. This includes providing them with practice books, worksheets and other math-based activities that they can work through to further strengthen their understanding of the concepts.
Hiring a tutor or seeking extra help from a mentor can also help students to consolidate their understanding of the concepts. Offering this type of one-on-one support can be beneficial for the student and make learning the material more enjoyable.
The eighth step is to offer the student visual learning methods. One common technique is by presenting teaching concepts with the aid of visual materials, such as diagrams, illustrations, models and even animations. This can help to further accentuate the ideas and make the concept more tangible and easier to follow.
Giving the student a visual example of the concept can also help to simplify the lesson and remove any complexity or confusion.
Remaining Engaged
The ninth step to teaching basic math is remaining engaged. It’s important to give students time to think and understand what is being taught.
It’s also important to keep them engaged and motivated. Higher engagement is correlated with more effective learning outcomes. To ensure this, the instructor can use a variety of methods, such a discussion and class-based activities, which invite students to participate and actively engage in the lesson.
The tenth step is to notice any changes in the student’s behavior or attitude towards the subject and address them accordingly. If a student appears to be struggling, it’s important to note and address this rather than simply assuming they can work through the material on their own. The eleventh step is to individualize instruction to target the student’s specific needs.
This is important as it helps to cater to each student’s individual learning needs. Catering to individual needs is especially important for students who may have additional needs, such as those on the autism spectrum, or who suffer from learning disabilities.
The twelfth step is to provide students with continued support and assurance. This is especially important as math can be a difficult and scary subject for many students.
Offering assurance and continued support to the student will help to reinforce the importance of the material and their newfound understanding and skills.
Conclusion
Teaching basic math to children can often feel like challenging work. However, with careful planning and the right approach, it can be fun, enjoyable and productive.
Taking the above steps into consideration is the best way to ensure that the basics of math are taught in an effective and lasting way. Ultimately, this helps to create a strong foundation that can be used to learn more complex concepts as the student grows.