The Nation’s Report Card for 2019 is in, and the results are a mixture of good and bad news. On a positive note, students in Utah scored higher in math and reading than the previous data.
On the downside, this success wasn’t the same across all demographics. In fact, some performed worse. The national average score for math also remained unchanged.
Improving children’s literacy in subjects like math requires many approaches. These include a comprehensive review and possibly updating the curriculum and even adaption technology. But some activities may also help boost their mathematical knowledge or make learning fun.
- Teach Them Music
Parents in Utah who want to assist their kids in math can enroll them in guitar lessons. Music and math are more common than people think:
- Musicians use numbers for almost everything — Think of rhythm, notes, cadence, and scale. Each one is associated with numbers and math. Every beat can be a count. It doesn’t matter the song is jazz or rock. Most principles they share are the same.
- Music improves spatial-temporal reasoning skills — Spatial-temporal reasoning is the ability to move objects across spaces and solve a problem through a series of steps (like how you solve math). In a 2000 research, listening to music enhances spatial-temporal tasks compared to those not related to spatial-temporal.
- Let Them Solve Puzzles
Besides music, puzzles are a great tool to enhance a child’s spatial skills. The benefit is beneficial for young kids.
The University of Chicago study revealed that kids who play puzzles from 2 to 4 years old could have better spatial skills than same-aged children who didn’t. The variance was clearer when the children were assessed when they reached 4.5 years old.
This is even after the researchers considered other potential factors for the difference. These included age and input of parents.
Developing their spatial intelligence can already lay the foundation of the abilities they need to understand math later in life. The researchers even said that how they change shapes of puzzle pieces may be a predictor of the STEM course they will take.
- Take Them to the Outdoors
A child’s classroom goes beyond the four walls of a school. The outdoors can also be one big playground filled with teaching materials.
But how can nature teach children math?
- The learning process becomes multisensory — When they’re outdoors, abstract concepts can become more real. This is because children now have the opportunity to experience their lessons through their senses. They can count stones or identify the shapes of objects they see around them. A multisensory approach is also ideal for visual learners.
- It reduces the stress of learning — The constant pressure to learn something can increase stress levels. High stress can lead to poor focus and fatigue, so the child is less likely to retain vital information. Meanwhile, many studies show that nature is healing. In particular, it can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Teaching students math isn’t easy, but many tools and activities are available. Parents can use them to help their kids succeed in this subject.
