If you’ve ever watched the movie “A Beautiful Mind“, starring Russell Crowe as the brilliant mathematician John Nash, you were probably left in awe by the character's true love for maths. This man, despite all his personal challenges, wins a Nobel Prize that shows off his indomitable spirit and potential to achieve greatness.
The truth is, that we can all stretch beyond our self-imposed limits if we adopt the right mindset and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. When it comes to math, not many kids love it. If you think your child struggles to excel in this subject you may consider changing the approach. Here are 3 simple ways that can help your child adopt a positive attitude towards math, and transform their struggles into stepping stones for success.
Invest in the Right Type of Math Textbooks
When exploring various ways to help your child excel in mathematics, you may consider investing in the right type of textbooks. However, with a plethora of options available, how do you choose the right ones? To select the right math textbooks for your child, consider aspects such as your child’s age, grade level and learning style. For example, the year 9 textbooks are specifically designed for kids between 14 to 15 years old who already have a good foundation in basic mathematical concepts.
The year 9 maths textbook covers more advanced topics including algebra, geometry, equations, statistics, graphs and many other challenging concepts, suitable for intermediate to advanced students. This will alwo your child to immerse themselves more deeply in the world of mathematics and discover its relevance with everyday practical situations. For example, if your child has difficulties in solving equations or mastering algebra, this textbox incorporates specific units that provide a detailed step-by-step explanation.
Each unit begins with simple exercises such as basic equations to help your child understand the foundational elements of algebra and build confidence as they practice. At the end of each unit, they can find a review section included, and comprehensive exercises that will allow them to practice their newly acquired skills. Once they master these concepts, they can progress to more complex units that will allow them to challenge their mind, and develop critical thinking when solving various equations and analysing variables.
Once they master the concept of algebra, they can proceed to other topics such as geometry, functions, and systems of equations. Each one of these units can help them furter develop their mathematical skills and grow their understanding of complex math problems. For example, by using the year 9 maths textbook they can immerse in the world of geometry and explore concepts like angles, shapes, and the properties of two-dimensional and three-dimensional figures. This will allow them to develop a well-rounded and profound understanding of deep geometry concepts and realise how math shapes the world around us.
Incorporate Math Games and Educational Apps for Learning
In addition to supplying your child with the right math textbooks, you should explore other creative ways to help your child excel in this subject. For example, you may introduce your child to a variety of interactive games and educational apps that cover basic and more intricate math topics. These may include classic board games like Monopoly or Risk that require strategic thinking and fast decision-making skills.
You may also teach your child how to play chess or introduce them to specific card games like Uno or Set.
Each one of these games can help your child learn important mathematical concepts in a fun and engaging way. For example, playing chess can teach them how to analyse patterns, and think logically while games like Monopoly will allow them to master essential skills such as addition, subtraction, and money management.
Beyond these games, you can introduce them to a variety of engaging math platforms like Prodigy, Khan Academy Kids, or Math Blaster. These platforms are specifically designed to help kids build their mathematical skills through fun and interactive lessons. These simple yet creative ways will allow your child to stretch beyond traditional learning methods and develop a lifelong love for this subject.
Work Closely with Tutors and Teachers to Support your Child's Progress
You may do everything in your power as a parent to support your child's progress in math, but that may not yield the result you hope for.
This is why you should try a different approach. For example, you may consider collaborating with tutors and teachers to help your child overcome challenges and gain a deeper understanding of complex math concepts. Working with professionals will allow your child to realise its strengths and weaknesses and focus on particular areas they'd love to improve.
For example, if your child finds geometry challenging, working with a tutor can help them master specific topics like how to calculate the area and perimeter of different shapes or apply the Pythagorean theorem. This will help them learn that nothing is too difficult if you put the time and effort into it and that everything in our world is interconnected. Just like the famous mathematician Pythagoras said: "There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres."
