Math is probably more important to students today than it was for last generation. This is particularly true as the United States education system falls farther behind other industrialized nations.
An international study found that math students in South Korea tested the highest of 34 countries surveyed. Japan came in second, Switzerland third, but the U.S. finished far behind, 27th on this list. The report was prepared by academics at Harvard, Stanford and Munich University in Germany.
So what can we do about this problem? It really is a problem.
We need to begin by paying attention to the messages we send to our young people. When we say in front of our children that we hated math, that is a strong message.
The message about hating math usually is given strongest to girls. Then when girls enter school they believe that they can’t be expected to learn math. There is no difference in girls’ ability to master math and boys’ ability. Both need to be encouraged.
If you had a negative experience, it should not influence your child. Expect your child to have a positive experience. You expect your child to succeed in math. Then your child is far more likely to fulfill these expectations. Instead of sending negative messages about math, give him or her extra help and encouragement that will help lead to success.
Math today is more exciting. Computers really help make that happen. Just go to “fun math” and look at all the programs that might entice your child. These programs make an adventure out of learning math. You can be an excited parent as you see your child learning and that encourages more learning.
Another new way is to look into programs such as BLOCK Fest™. This rather new program originated at the University of Idaho. We have had examples of it in our town. But recently, the Parenting Matters Foundation received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to purchase the equipment from the company that now owns BLOCK Fest™. We will be training people from around the county to present this program locally and offering it more frequently now that we own the equipment.
This program looks at math from the standpoint of blocks. Blocks of different sizes are used to introduce math concepts to children from 8 months to 8 years of age. Research has shown that children who participate with their parents are more ready to learn math and do well even in reading.
After two decades of research we know that children build number and math skills from a very early age and that those who are strong in early math skills excel in math in the later years.
Research shows that block play is related to later math competence. Block play even supports the child’s language development.
Blocks provide opportunities for children’s social and emotional development as they build and share with others. Children are challenged as they solve the construction problems.
The key to the success of this program is the involvement of parents. Parents are such an important factor in how well a child does in school.
When a child has a parent who knows how to encourage him or her in just about any endeavor, you are likely to have a child who becomes enthusiastic about that task. Parents are far more important than most realize.
So what does this have to do with you? Maybe your child is older or maybe he or she is grown. Volunteer to be trained and learn how you can help. You don’t need to be a math major to be an asset for this program. You only need to be an encouraging individual.
If you are a parent of a child who is 8 months to 8 years old, bring them to BLOCK Fest™ and learn how you can make a difference in your child’s readiness to learn math. What you learn in this short one-day program is how to make a difference in many areas of your child’s learning.
If you want more information on this coming program, contact Cynthia Martin at 681-2250 or by e-mail at pmf@olypen.com.
Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which publishes newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents.
