Fun Is An Important Part Of The Math Equation (NAPSA)—Parents can add to a child’s understanding of and success in math by using concepts found in everydaylife. Manybasic math concepts that m= , children learn in school are rein- forced through everyday experiences at home, in the grocery store and in the car. Helping your child gain an understanding of math and a sense that math is enjoyable will help him or her develop the skills needed for a successfullife. Here are some tips to get your kids excited about math: 1. Choose toys and games that reinforce important math skills. For example, card games and board games broaden a child’s thought processes to include logic, reasoning, prediction and problem solving as well as addition and subtraction. 2. Make math a part of daily activities around the house. For example, ask your child to assist children’s understanding of math ing ingredients to match a recipe can teach kids comparisons, mea- yogurt is on sale at four containers for a dollar, ask your child how whole numbersandfractions. 3. Use interactive technology to buy. 5. Incorporate math into things kids love. Watch a baseball game with your child and discuss the concept of batting averages. Ask him or her what it means when a player is batting at .300 and use equations to determine how the batting average increases or decreases after each pitch and game. From sports statistics to the prices in stores to the amount of gas needed for a road trip, math is you in preparing dinner. Measursurement, volume, estimation, make learning math more enjoy- able and rewarding. For example, Scholastic has introduced a new software series, Math Missions, designed to help children practice real-world math challenges, like sizes and weights, in a fun setting. The two CD-ROMs—Math Missions: The Race to Spectacle City Arcade (Grades K-2) and Math Missions: The Amazing Arcade Adventure (Grades 3-5)—each contain three complete grade levels of math curriculum. 4. Practice math over weekends and school vacations using every- in some surprisingly simple ways. day activities. Bring your children to the store and ask them to solve real-life problems. For example, if many containers three dollars will a very important tool in daily life. Encourage your child to use these skills every day. When parents get into the equation, each day is an opportunity to make math fun.
