Count, Count, Count

A frustrated teacher was sharing a story about a typical experience in the math classroom. After his lesson on factoring, he observed his students working on their homework. They kept on getting the questions incorrect. "What is the problem?" he asked, "Do you understand what is going on?" They did. They could explain the process beautifully. The teacher dug deeper. He found the answer to their difficulties. They did not know their basic multiplication facts. He then gave them a grid with the timetables until 20. Guess what? They were able to factor.

As an advocate of numeracy, such stories disturb me. I was fortunate to have great mathematics teachers in my lifetime who did not shy away from drilling math facts into my brain. Don't get me wrong. I am all for actually understanding mathematical concepts. But if a kid has to grab a calculator to figure out the answer to 6 times 3, then we are really missing something.

Numeracy begins when a child is young. We have heard the time-old adage, "Read, Read, Read." I'd like to add, "Count, Count, Count." Here are a few practical ways to encourage numeracy in your child's world:
  • For infants and toddlers, numbers can be introduced into their world by singing songs or reading books that involve counting (e.g. "Ba Ba Black Sheep" or "Bears on Wheels"). Furthermore, encourage counting by modelling it. For instance, count the buttons on a sleeper while you are snapping them. Or count out their Cheerios during snack time.
  • Associate the written number with the concept. For example, when showing a child a block with a number two, hold up two fingers.
  • Teach simple addition or subtraction in your day-to-day language. "Mommy is giving Ben two strawberries. Here are three more strawberries. Ben has five strawberries!"
  • Invest in toys that encourage problem solving, geometry, cause-and-effect, and pattern recognition. Tupperware's "Shape-O-Ball" is a timeless classic!

  • Older children will benefit from board games that encourage numeracy. Monopoly is a prime example. The rules can be adapted to various ages. Sudoku is another avenue of mathematical exploration. And even though I am not well versed in computer software, I am sure there are great programs out there to assist kids in engaging in mathematics.

  • Once your child becomes school-aged, become familiar with the learning outcomes in mathematics and supplement your child's learning (learning outcomes can be easily found through provincial or national curriculum guides). Teachers appreciate it if you are practicing mathematical facts and concepts at home. Need free worksheets? Check out edHelper.com. And if in doubt, use flashcards!

  • As difficult as it is, try to not be intimidated by high school mathematics. Even though you may not grasp everything (or anything), practice good studying skills with your child if he or she is having difficulty. Go over the notes with your child. Read the section in the textbook together. Ask the question, "Explain this example to me." If in doubt, enlist the help of the teacher or tutor.
  • Lastly, be positive about mathematics. Sayings such as "Math is too hard" or "I hate math" or "Nobody in my family got math" only contribute to the already tarnished view of mathematics in our society. Mathematics may be challenging, but with persistent effort and tons of practice, most people can achieve success.

Hope that helps. This teaching moment is brought to you by the number 13 and the letter R. :)

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