How to help your child build their foundational maths skills
In a world increasingly driven by data, the ability to navigate numbers is not just an academic requirement, but a vital life skill. Yet, for many parents, helping children build their foundational maths skills can seem like a daunting mountain rather than an accessible journey.
As parents, our involvement in our child’s early education is pivotal, particularly in laying the groundwork for success in maths because foundational math skills are not just about counting or solving simple arithmetic problems; they are the building blocks for critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning.
From integrating math into daily activities to leveraging technology wisely, this article will equip you with the tools and resources for developing basic math skills and the insights necessary to guide your child through their mathematical journey.
So, let’s begin!
Understanding foundational math skills and assessing your current math skills
To help your child understand foundation mathematics, assess where your math foundations lie first. You should be able to explain what foundation maths skills entail, such as counting, basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), understanding shapes, and grasping simple measurements. Then you can build on your foundation in mathematics and use it as a stepping stone in developing math skills for more complex concepts and problem-solving abilities.
Remember, your attitude towards maths is what your child’s perception will be when learning the subject. So aim to stay positive and encourage a math learning environment at home.
What are the basic math skills that everyone should know?
You should have a profound understanding of fundamental mathematics before you help your child in maths. But what are basic math skills? Here is a foundational math skills checklist to consider building on before you help your child with their foundational maths skills too:
- Number Sense: Understanding and working with numbers, including recognising numbers, counting, and basic number patterns.
- Basic Arithmetic: Proficiency in the four fundamental operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Fractions and Decimals: Basic understanding and manipulation of fractions and decimals, including simple calculations and conversions between them.
- Measurement: Knowledge of basic units of measurement (length, weight, volume, time) and the ability to measure and estimate using these units.
- Time: Ability to read clocks, understand calendars, and calculate time intervals.
- Basic Geometry: Understanding basic shapes, their properties, and spatial relationships.
- Money Management: Basic skills in handling money, including understanding currency, making change, and basic budgeting.
- Data Interpretation: Ability to understand and interpret simple graphs and charts.
- Problem Solving: Application of math skills to solve practical problems, involving logical thinking and reasoning.
- Percentage: Understanding percentages and their calculation, which is useful in various contexts like sales, statistics, and finance.
Why is it important to develop mathematics skills?
Developing mathematics skills is important for several reasons, both in academic contexts and in everyday life. Here are some reasons why it’s important to develop your child’s foundational maths skills:
It promotes critical thinking and problem-solving
Math teaches kids how to approach complex problems, break them down into smaller parts, and solve them logically. This skill applies to various life situations and professions.
It provides a foundation for advanced learning:
Proficiency in basic math is essential for understanding more advanced concepts in mathematics, sciences, engineering, and technology. A strong mathematical foundation opens doors to many educational and career opportunities.
Helps with practical tasks daily
Math skills are used daily, from managing money and budgeting to cooking, shopping, and planning. These skills help kids make informed decisions, like comparing prices, calculating interest, or measuring ingredients.
Helps with technological and scientific advancement
Mathematics is the language of science and technology. Advances in these fields rely heavily on mathematical principles, making math skills crucial for innovation and progress.
Enhances analytical skills
Math enhances analytical and logical reasoning skills. It teaches kids how to analyse data, recognise patterns, and draw conclusions, which are valuable skills in any field.
It builds confidence and independence
Proficiency in math boosts confidence in your child’s ability to handle various tasks independently, from everyday chores to complex professional assignments later in life.
It provides global competitiveness
In an increasingly universal world, strong math skills are important for keeping up with technological and economic developments, ensuring kids can remain competitive amongst their peers.
Enhances financial literacy
Understanding math is key to financial literacy, which includes managing personal finances, understanding loans, investments, taxes, and saving for the future.
Maths support other subjects
Math skills support learning in other areas, such as physics, chemistry, biology, economics, and even arts, as they often involve mathematical concepts.
Prepares kids for the future workforce
Many of the fastest-growing careers require strong math skills. Whether in IT, healthcare, finance, or engineering, math is a foundational skill that enhances employability and adaptability in a rapidly changing job market.
How do you get your child interested in math?
So it’s clear mathematics is not just about numbers and equations; it’s a critical tool for navigating and understanding the world, fostering logical reasoning, and enabling personal and professional growth. But how do you encourage your child to be interested in maths?
Getting your child interested in learning maths involves a blend of creativity, practicality and a whole heap of enthusiasm. There are tons of ways you can encourage your child to delve deeper into their maths learning. Here are some actionable ideas you can try now:
Relate maths to their interests and incorporate maths into daily activities
Connect maths concepts to things your child already enjoys. For example, if they like cooking, you can encourage them to measure ingredients. If they’re into sports, you can discuss the statistics from their favourite game.
You can also play board games or card games that involve counting, strategy and problem-solving like Monopoly, Uno, or chess. You can also take them grocery shopping and get them to help with budgeting, comparing prices and calculating discounts. Play a fun game and guess the total cost of the items in the cart to see who was the closest in the end!
Find out what their frustrations/challenges are when learning foundational maths skills
Some young learners find maths particularly hard, with weaknesses in this area leading to problems in school, future jobs and overall emotional wellbeing. Some children suffer from specific challenges, like developmental dyscalculia (DD), a condition characterised by difficulties in learning and understanding arithmetic.
It’s important to find out where the reluctance is coming from, as it could be something small which is holding them back. If it is a condition like DD, there are ways to help with basic math, which we will go through later in the article.
Create a positive math environment at home
Your attitude towards maths can influence your child’s attitude. Show excitement and interest in math yourself, and they are more likely to mirror it.
Another way to show positivity is to create a math-friendly space in your home. You can do this by setting up a dedicated study area with accessible maths tools like a calculator, geometric shape sets, a protractor and graph paper. Decorate the area with maths-specific posters, for example, charts like the multiplication table or motivational quotes and even audio devices which can help in strengthening mental math. All these help promote a positive environment to learn maths!
Use interactive games and apps
There are many educational games and apps designed to make math fun. These tools use engaging activities and challenges to teach math concepts and integrate math into other fun activities. Here are some fun ways you can utilise educational toys and tools to enhance learning.
Interactive Maths Activity Book, which includes home math games and activities for preschoolers
I have created a Maths Activity Book Canva template* for parents to print out and personalise for their preschooler. It contains over 50 pages of all kinds of maths problems, but it is set out in a very fun and engaging way, so your child doesn’t even know they’re learning maths! You can find out more about the Maths Activity Book and what it includes here.
Check out the Maths Activity book template here*
Calcularis 2.0 math app from Constructor
Calcularis 2.0 is a computer program designed to help children who have trouble with math, especially those with developmental dyscalculia (DD). The program uses games to teach different math skills, like adding and understanding numbers, and it changes based on each child’s way of learning.
Researchers studied how well Calcularis 2.0 works by testing it with children who have DD. These children used the program for 20 minutes a day, 4-5 times a week, for 12 weeks. Their math skills were tested before, right after, and three months after using the program.
The results were positive. The children who used Calcularis 2.0 got better at math tests*, understanding where numbers are in space, and comparing the sizes of numbers. These improvements were only in math; their reading and spelling didn’t change, showing that the program specifically helps with foundational maths skills. Even three months after finishing the program, the children still showed these math improvements.
The study also found that children who didn’t have problems with reading or spelling, and those who were less anxious about math, improved the most. This suggests that being nervous about math might make it harder to get better at it, even with training.
In conclusion, Calcularis 2.0 was a helpful tool for children with DD and it’s recommended for both individual and group use as an addition to regular math lessons. However, it’s important to remember that this program is not a replacement for learning directly from teachers. This is especially true for children who get very anxious about math, as they might do better with personal teaching.
Overall, Calcularis 2.0 offers a supportive way for children with dyscalculia to improve their math skills through interactive and tailored learning.
Subscribe to Calcularis now and enhance your child’s maths using a proven method here*
How to teach maths at home – encourage questioning and explorations
Encouraging questioning and exploration is key in fostering a child’s curiosity and interest in math, especially when building foundational skills.
Create an open environment when creating homeschool activities for kids. Make the environment a safe space for your child to ask questions and make mistakes. They must express their thoughts and questions without fear of criticism.
Ask open-ended questions that don’t have a single right answer. For example, “How many ways can you think of to solve this problem?” Encourage ‘Why’ and ‘How’ questions and take the time to explore the answer together. If you don’t know the answer, research it together or turn it into a discovery project.
How to be great at math – go on math-related outings
Visit science centres, museums, or other places where they can engage in math-related activities and ask questions about what they see and experience.
How to become good at math – watch educational TV shows and videos
There are many educational programs and online videos that teach math in an entertaining and visually appealing way.
How to develop math skills – set challenges and rewards
Create fun math challenges or competitions with small rewards. This can motivate children and make learning math more exciting.
How to increase math skills – nvolve them in financial decisions
Basic budgeting or planning for a family outing can be great ways to teach older children about numbers and finance.
How to increase your math skills – encourage maths through art and creativity
Incorporate math into art projects, such as using geometric shapes for collages or understanding proportions in drawings.
How to make mathematics easy – involve school and join maths groups/clubs
Helping your child improve their math skills involves working together with their school. Regularly talk to your child’s teacher about how they are doing in math, what they find hard, and how you can help them at home. Get to know what your child is learning in math at school. This helps you support them with similar activities at home, for example, using the same foundational math skills worksheets that the school uses.
Attend meetings and events at school like parent-teacher conferences. These are good chances to learn more about how math is taught at the school. If your child is struggling with math, ask the school if they offer extra help like tutoring or after-school math clubs. If your child needs more help, work with their teacher to make a plan that sets goals and outlines how to achieve them.
Keep asking the teacher how your child is doing in math, not just in grades but also in their interest and confidence in the subject. Motivate your child to join math-related activities at school, like math clubs or competitions. These can make math more enjoyable.
Build a good relationship with the school. Appreciate their efforts and stay open to advice from teachers. Working together can create a better learning environment for your child.
As parents and educators, our role transcends beyond teaching numbers and equations; it involves instilling confidence, curiosity, and a problem-solving mindset in our children. By making math relatable and engaging through real-life applications, interactive tools, and personalised learning strategies, we can help demystify this subject and reveal its inherent beauty and logic.
But, remember, every child’s math journey is unique, and patience and understanding are key. Celebrating small victories, providing consistent support, and staying actively involved in their learning process are essential in maintaining their interest and motivation. As we guide them through the early stages of this journey, we are not just teaching them math; we are equipping them with tools to navigate the world, fostering independent thinkers, and perhaps, inspiring the mathematicians, scientists, and innovators of tomorrow!
FAQ
What is foundational knowledge of mathematics?
Other questions asked were:
- What is fundamental skills math?
- What are the mathematical skills in the foundation phase?
- What are foundational math skills?
- What is foundational mathematics?
- What is functional math skills?
- What skills does math develop?
- Why are basic math skills important?
- What is basic math skills?
- Why are foundational skills important?
- Why are mathematical skills important?
- How to build a strong mathematics foundation?
- What is early learning foundational skills mathematics?
- How do you go about defining foundational math skills?
- What is the importance of foundational math skills?
Foundational knowledge in mathematics refers to the essential concepts and skills that form the basis for understanding more advanced mathematical ideas. You can find out more information about these foundational maths skills in my article above.
What basic math skills are required by most jobs
You must have basic math skills to effectively perform various tasks in most jobs. These foundational math skills examples include:
- Basic arithmetic
- Understanding fractions and percentages
- Measurement and estimation
- Budgeting and financial management
- Data analysis
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Using technology for math
- Inventory management
- Basic geometry
*This post is sponsored by Constructor, the creators of Calcularis. Links marked with a ‘*’ are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through to buy at no extra cost to you – thank you for your support!
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