Math is the subject where many have brain shutdown and go in a panic. However, math is also a very important subject and those accomplished in math can look forward to much success in school and career. Math is misunderstood by its complexity and therefore compartmentalized in math class. Yet we use math every day. Math is not simple numbers but a language. Once your child learns to speak math a higher understanding will evolve and math suddenly is not so intimidating.
Think of it this way; if someone tried to explain street directions to you in half English and half a language you do not speak then grasping a full understanding would be confusing at best. Chances are you would get lost along the road and need help several times before finding your destination. Even once you successfully found your destination you may not be able to get back home. In fact, you may not be able to find that destination again due to the trouble you had the first time you attempted your trip. Now the road to that destination seems muddy and confusing. You will feel certain that getting from point A to point B is difficult and maybe following directions is not for you.
Now imagine you were given those same directions in your language. Having understood the directions perfectly you find your way easily. You can then find your way home without much trouble. The next time you head to that destination you can find it again because you understood the directions and found it successfully the first time. Even if you do not have it memorized you can figure it out as you go because your understanding was clear.
Math is not much different than a set of directions that must be spoken in the proper language to be understood. We often think we are making it easier to say “take away” for subtraction or “how many altogether” instead of the sum. When we avoid the vocabulary of math children do not learn the language and will soon become confused as math progresses. Math is not the opposite of language but an exact form of a different type of language. You don’t learn French to visit Spain. Use the language of math to help your child gain a better understanding of math concepts.
Ways to Incorporate the Language of Math:
*Have your child read aloud word problems. Then have the child explain how the equation should be formed.
*Write down math vocabulary on index cards for your child to study.
*Use math terms as spelling words.
*Have your child explain back to you the concept you are teaching. If the child needs to express it in numbers than challenge him to explain it using the proper math terms. Such as saying “the product of 5 and 3 equals 15”.
*If you use Copywork in your homeschool then use math terms, expressions, and equations as your Copywork for the day.
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