Math¶
Math is important.
It's about logics and logics is so important in our life. So,
How Should We teach Ryan Math?
No, we don't teach, we guide.
Inappropriate teaching will destroy children's imagination and take away the pleasure of exploration.
Instead of teaching Ryan all the methods or shortcuts, we try to just teach him the very basic concept behind math (math is just a collection of symbols, the conecpt behind the symbols is more important).
Then we let him explore different ways to solve the problems. With a carefully design roadmap of questions, he can explore step by step, deeper and deeper almost all by himself.
Basics¶
First of all, we taught Ryan the basic concept of these math symbols. He picked up quite quickly.
With the help of some apps on ipad, we made sure Ryan had master the mechanism.
What's next?
Then we tried to increase the difficulty, forcing him to find better ways rather than counting his fingers to calculate.
However, we came across some difficulties teaching Ryan the concept of multiplication. The problem was not that he couldn't understand, but the he was not as interested in math as before.
Make it Interesting¶
What if he is not interested?
To make the whole process of learning math more fun, I draw the character that Ryan likes the most:
Lightning McQueen
on iPad, and used it as the element to demonstrate how to do multiplications.
Problems¶
Although calculating numbers is important, we don't want Ryan to be a calculator.
Math is important unless we can make use of it in our life.
We want him to use math as a tool to solve problems.
Card Games¶
Sum Game
Ryan's grandparents invented a card game:
- each player select ten cards randomly
- calculate the sum of the ten cards selected
- who has the largest sum wins
This game is great for both the children and the grown-ups.
Explore the Unknown¶
Unknown
Learning the concept of equations is not hard, as long as we let the child explore the fun of it.
We all love solving the unknowns, it's our nature.
Just let the children find out the fun.
