Mathematics can be a difficult subject to learn. In today’s day and age, calculators, computers and other electronic devices allow solving math problems to be done with just a press of a button. Real math involves a pen and paper, as well as some hard work.
Learning mathematics is important. Math is used in everyday experiences. When you go to the store, can you make change? What about adding the cost of sales tax? Do you know how much money to leave your waitress as a tip? If you’re redecorating your home, do you know how much square feet of flooring you will need? Let’s face it: Real life involves math.
All throughout grade school, you are taught not only the fundamentals of math, but advanced and sometimes mind-boggling theories and equations. To avoid getting too in depth with mathematics, here are a few tips and tricks when dealing with fundamental math:
Calendar Math
Mrs. Nelson’s Calendar Math – Extremely basic and simple, calendar math is often used as the starting point for introducing children to math. Basic skills such as number patterns, calculating periods of times, and multiply days, weeks and months are a common exercise.
Calendrical Calculations – This book, written by Nachum Dershowitz and Edward M Reingold, explores the concepts of algorithms by using the familiar calendar.
Fun with Calendars – Who would have thought you could learn algebra by studying the days, weeks and months!
Calendar Math and the Solar System – These lessons incorporate science as well as math, to explore how the days and months relate to the Earth’s rotation cycle in the Solar System.
The Calendar – A great reference page that breaks down the length of time of calendars into decimals and numbers to easily use in algebra.
Division Tricks
Kid’s Division Tips – If your youngster is struggling with division, this website offers division help for grade-school children.
Division Concepts – These division skills are aimed at children in Grade 4.
Division Help – Having trouble with those long-division problems? They won’t be a “problem” anymore, once you have read this web page.
Multiplication Tricks
Multiplication Tips – Make learning fun again with these simple but helpful multiplication tricks for kids.
Multiplication Steps – Geared towards a 3 rd grade level, these multiplication tricks will have your kids memorizing the multiplication tables in no time.
Squaring Tricks
Squaring Tips – A brief article about squaring in mathematics. The entire website is very resourceful. You can even make an account and participate with your own helpful ideas.
Three Tricks for Squaring Numbers – Extremely useful tips that will have you squaring numbers with ease and in no time!
Number Tips – Not only does this governmental website offer squaring tips, but there are numerous other ideas to help improve your math skills.
No matter how many tips, tricks, and ideas you have for math, sometimes mathematics is still not fun. For that stubborn math student, here are a few educational games and activities to make math entertaining:
Math Games
Math Activities – Teach children to love math with these fun activities.
Math Games – This educational website is a favorite with teachers and kids a like. Offering educational games on every subject, kids will love learning.
Math Games and Puzzles – The mathematic activities will keep your children entertained for hours. This website uses PDF files, so make sure you have Adobe Reader.
Math is a subject that takes time, patience, and hard work to learn. If your children are struggling with becoming successful math students, take some time to show them math tips and tricks that can make learning fun again.