Learn Math through Multiple Ways

Trying to figure out effective methods to teach Math for your children? Then, you’ve come to the right place!

Mathematics is a subject which is quite different from others, in terms of both difficulty and usage. Of course, every parent wishes their child to get a good score in Math. But, teaching a child the concepts of mathematics is difficult. This is because every child has his or her own interest and learning style. Some people enjoy math, while others may dislike it or become bored with it.

If your children are one of those who appear to be uninterested in Math, then try educating them with different sets of approaches and strategies. Mathematics can be more informative, entertaining, and achievable for children if it is taught in a different approach.

Some people might not be so sure what the finest approaches are. So, we’ve compiled a list of approaches for children to study math to ease the search hunt. So, keep reading ahead!

What are the multiple ways to learn Math?

1. Math through Music

We all know that learning music helps in developing creativity in children. However, you may not be aware that it also helps in developing mathematical skills in children. From melodic musical themes to catchy pop, Music can overlap with Math in many ways since they have had solid connections for thousands of years and persist.

Besides, Researchers have stated that music and math activate the same portion of the brain in humans. So, why don’t you incorporate music and math in your child’s learning progress? By incorporating music and math, a child can learn the basic concepts of mathematics such as patterns, measuring, combinations, conditions, and more.

Below are some of the facts on how music helps kids to learn math:

1. Basic Math

Numbers are the initial stone steps for kids to proceed further in math. Similarly, beats and rhythms are the basic steps to learn in music.

When teaching or learning music, you can notice that musical notes have numerical connections in their beats and rhythms. This paves the way for the kids to learn basic math facts like counting numbers.

2. Mathematical Frequency

Pythagoras – a famous mathematician and a Greek philosopher, discovered that different musical instruments like guitar, violin, or piano produce different sound frequencies by dividing the strings.

He divided the strings and found that the pitch of the string is proportional to the length of the string. So teach your students how sound waves are produced. If you don’t, here it is.

Longer the string, the shorter the pitch and the shorter the string, the higher the pitch. So, cut the string in half, and teach them how the sound is different from the original. So, by analyzing or measuring the sound waves, you can learn mathematical frequencies.

3. Fraction

Once you feel your children are comfortable learning music and math together, you can move on to complex concepts like fractions.

In your music class, you can find various kinds of musical notes. Pick a musical concept and subdivide its note into four beats. Instruct your students that a quarter of the notes would be one beat, half the note would be two beats, etc. Once they are clear with this concept, please provide them with the fraction form of notes and let them play the music. This may improve a child’s music skills and enhance their math skills.

4. Patterns

The most common relationship or connection between math and music is they both use patterns and rules. Patterns are the essential thing when it comes to music or math. For example, music has sections of songs and repeating choruses as its pattern. Similarly, math has a set of rules as its pattern to explain and predict what comes next. This enhances kids’ reasoning skills and helps them understand mathematical rules.

Summary:

Music is quite helpful for children, especially in academic subjects like Mathematics. Children who learn academic subjects through music can retain the data better than the kids who learn in a school atmosphere. So, bring a little music to your kid’s education and see how they are brainstorming!

2. Math through Art

Are you a math person or an art person? Do you think creatively or logically? Unfortunately, most of us think Art and Mathematics are two irrelevant subjects. But Math and arts have a long historical relationship from ancient times. For instance: the Egyptian Pyramids and Mosques throughout the globe.

Why should we learn Math through Art?

• Build Brainpower
• Stimulates Mind
• Improves Math rank
• Improves visualization

Mathematics and Art are filled with patterns. Hence, we can find many mathematical concepts like scale measurements, shapes, etc. So, how do we integrate art and math?

1. Origami

Requirements:

• White or Color Paper
• Scissor

It is a Japanese art form of folding paper into different shapes. Using Origami, a simple paper can be transformed into a 3D object within a few moments. With this method, kids can visualize and learn complex math concepts like geometry, symmetry, and proportions.

2. Drawing

Requirements:

• Paper
• Pencil, Marker, Ruler

If your child is a visual learner, drawing will be perfect. They can create artwork with angles, shapes, and more. This helps the child learn the mathematical concepts and spark them with curiosity to learn.

3. Concept visualization

Visual Art: Children can learn certain mathematical numbers like Euler’s Number, Pi, Golden Ration through visual representation.

Dance: Like mathematics, Dance comprises shapes, patterns, and rhythm. So, kids can learn mathematical concepts such as Numbers, Geometry, Angles, Lines, and Positions through their elegant dance performance.

Summary:

There are many endless activities to learn math through art. However, consider trying out these few activities into your child’s education. It enhances your child’s confidence with a positive opinion on Math.

3. Math through Coding or Programming

Do your kids enjoy coding but are not interested in Math? Then it’s not a big deal.

Every generation of students often struggles to solve a math problem at a certain point. However, as a parent or teacher, you may wonder how to motivate the children to understand and learn math in a better way. Fortunately, there are more creative ways for children to learn math. One of the best ways is “Coding”.

Believe it or not, Coding and Math have a deep relationship. Students who learn to code can be good at Math. When a child learns to code, they automatically acquire Mathematical skills as a reward.

As a parent, you might not be sure how coding works. But, here are a few benefits that coding helps children learn Math. So, let’s jump in.

1. Logic and reasoning

One of the most important skills needed to succeed in mathematics and coding is “Logic”.

Math uses more logic and reasoning to solve problems. Some kids develop this skill naturally. However, acquiring logic and reasoning skills will be more challenging for others. This is where Coding or programming comes into play.

Whether you create a game, software, or animation, everything needs coding with some logic. For instance: consider you are creating a game with unique characters who move in different ways like running, walking, and so on. To encompass these activities, you should anticipate the logic and address it in your code. This will help the coders not just code successfully; it enhances their reasoning and logical skills to solve various math topics like geometry.

2. Develop Problem-Solving Skills

Another crucial skill required for Coding and Math is “Problem Solving”.

We all know Mathematics is full of Problems. Hence, to master math, one should have the ability in solving problems. You can improve this skill by learning to code. How?

Errors are unavoidable when programming. But the programmer can take care of it. Programmers used to address the errors and experiment with multiple options until resolving them. This consistent approach will help in developing Problem-solving skills. In addition, programming skills can improve the academic abilities of students.

3. Precision or Accuracy

Accuracy is another Mathematical requirement that is essential in solving a problem. Accuracy can be learned from coding. Because in coding, accuracy plays a crucial role, especially when running a program. Even if there is a minor coding error, you may end up with the compiler or run error. So, coders used to be more accurate when it comes to coding.

4. Mathematical Expressions

Coding is incredibly good for Math learners. Through coding, children can learn basic mathematical operations using the following operators.

Arithmetic operators:

Programming languages like C, C++, JAVA come with arithmetic operators to perform mathematical operations like summing up numbers, multiplication, subtraction, dividing, etc.; what are the Arithmetic operators?

Summary:

So, is coding a good source for math learners? Of course, it is. By learning to code, students can enhance the mathematical skills mentioned above. So, why still waste your time in search? Instead, begin teaching your children a better way of thinking and help them to have an enjoyable math experience!

4. Math through Games

What happens if we ask kids to sit down and do math assignments? Many children struggle to get started. Others start working on it, but in the midst or at some point stew in frustration and fail to solve the problem. 

Learning Math doesn’t have to be more serious. Mathematics is unquestionably a challenging subject to grab. But, it shouldn’t be a dreaded subject for children. Hence, one of the possible ways to teach your child mathematics is through “Games”.

Anything learned through games will be retained in kids’ minds for a longer period. So, try including math games to teach the kids the basic concepts of addition, subtraction, geometry, and algebra. 

Below we’ve listed some fun math games to teach your child. ​But, before that, know all the benefits kids can gain through Math games.

Benefits of Math Games:

• Increase kids’ engagement.
• Meets mathematical standards.
• Improves basic math skills
• Encourage strategic thinking.
• Encourage parent-kid involvement.
• Supports concept development in Mathematics.
• Promotes a positive attitude towards Mathematics.
• Build confidence and self-efficacy.

Effective Math Games for kids:

1. Go Fish

What you’ll learn: Numbers, Addition.

Requirements: Deck of Playing Cards

Game Play method:

Split the students into teams based on your students count, either individually or in a group. Now, circle in a group and provide 7 cards per team. If there are more than three teams, deal 5 cards to each team and place the leftover cards (faced down) in the circle’s centre.

Now, in a clockwise sequence, each team gets a turn. You should request a specific rank card from another team if you get the turn. If they have, they should give it to you. If they don’t have one, then he or she should say “Go Fish”. Then you should take a card from the centre, and the game continues. You win the game once you get four cards with the same rank. 

Note: You can modify the rules of the game to learn addition. Example: Provide 2 to 3 cards per player and let them sum up “10” ( like 5&5, 6&4, 2&8, 3&7).

2. Flashlight tag

What you’ll learn: Basic Math Facts.

Requirement:

• Interactive Whiteboard or
• Chalkboard.
• Two Flashlights

Game Play method:

Before beginning the game, divide the class into two teams. Now, choose one participant from each team. Next, turn off the lights and ask simple math questions like adding or subtracting numbers. The first student who flashlights and gives the correct answer will win a point for the respective team. However, you can modify the gameplay based on your study needs. 

3. Build shapes

What you’ll learn: Geometry

Requirements: Playdough or toothpick or matchstick or pattern blocks

Game Play method:

Teach your child to construct shapes such as cubes, rounds, and prisms using any of the above prerequisites. In addition, kids will be able to acquire geometric forms, angles, and patterns.

4. Dice

Some don’t like to play cards. For those, playing Dice can be an alternative. 

What you’ll learn: Addition, Multiplication.

Requirements:

• 2 Dices
• A number board

Game Play method:

It is a board game which can be played either with two or three players. First, each player should roll the two dice and sum up the dots. Then, as per that, they should move forward on the board. The player who first reaches the endpoint will win the game. 

Note: Instead of adding the dots on the dice, you can even multiply them.

5. Guess the number

What you’ll learn: Odd or Even Numbers. Greater than or Less than.

Requirements: Beads or coins or marbles or cards.

Game Play method:

Pick any one of the requirements mentioned above and begin the game. For instance, if you have 10 marbles, hold a few in your palm. It shouldn’t be visible to the opponent. Now let them guess the number of marbles you hold. The second player or the opponent can ask a few questions like odd or even, greater than 5 or less than 5. If they guess the right number of marbles, they win a point.

Summary:

All the listed games work well in both home and classroom settings. Therefore, children can either play them in pairs or groups. So, consider integrating these kinds of games into your child’s education.