Below are some suggestions for engaging your child in basic math situations at home.
- Cook with your child. Use measuring cups and spoons. Practice doubling and halving recipes. Have your child set the oven temperature and measure the temperature of the meat.
- Ask your child to help you make your grocery list and sort the items on the list by the aisle where they can be found in the store.
- Have your child help you sort and add the value of the coins in your coin jar before you cash them in at the bank.
- Have a lemonade stand or garage sale and let your child work the register and make change.
- Measure and calculate together how many yards of fabric are needed for projects around the house (curtains, bench seats, upholstered chairs, throw pillows).
- Measure and calculate together how much wood is needed to build a play table or repair your deck.
- When replacing an appliance in your home, have your child measure the area to ensure the replacement appliance will fit.
- Calculate how many gallons of gas it takes to get to a certain destination and how much the gas will cost based upon the miles per gallon.
- Calculate with your child how long a road trip will be if you know the distance and the miles per hour you will travel.
As busy parents, we need to do most of the items above anyway. Why not include your child and enjoy this quality time together? The fact that your child is learning the practical applications of math is just a bonus.
Assistant Director, Informed Educational Solutions