How to Deal with a child or Student Who Hates Math -- I Need That Help
Once again, my Sister-in-law was asking for help with her 8 years old daughter. The problem was the way she was sent home with homework that was hard enough for this poor thing.
WHY IS STILL SO HARD?
We wish we could help every kid in the world, but we will try on this hub to explain the reason why is still hard, even with new technology and tutorials. Math is like learning a new language, it requires an extra attention and therefore practice. From the four symbols, down to those freaking theorems, Math is a haunting devilish dude.
BUT PLEASE HOW CAN I HELP MY KID THEN?
First thing first: after second grade, they will dealing with multiplication and probably division. You just need 1 hour a day every other day to catch up with your kid and join in her/his homework. You won't have problems in showing them how to divide, multiply and catch up with that subtraction, that they barely understood at the end of the first grade. You have to get involved seriously, you know why? By 9th grade they will have to face Equations and polynomials, and they had 7 years to gain concentration and trust in their ow selves, thanks to your effort in telling them that divisions are a piece of cake and they can do it!!
BUT AT LEAST GIVES US A CLUE LORD!
Okay, supposedly you did bad in math too. You will need to go to an outside source. Maybe another relative that did better than you and can pitch in. Another help is google. The search engine is full of examples and can take some load from your shoulders. If your kid opened a Facebook account by him/herself, then is just a matter of help each other out.
If you relate a formula to a little silly brainstorming story, or activity, then you will know how to memorize them. I give you an example:
This crazy and tormenting Newtow's binomial:
(a+b)2 = a2 +2a.b+ b2
The way we can memorize this formula is something like this:
You Ann(A) and Brian(B) are dancing in one in one room and are touching each other shoulders, at the same time a yellow duck is flying around the room in circles (power of 2).
On the other room Ann has a a ducky on her head and Brian too (a2 .... b2)
Suddenly Mommy DUCK( the number 2) comes into the room embracing you both with the biggest hug, thanking you both for taking care of her babies, while out (2.a.b). Why mommy duck is so happy? You both still have their kids on your heads.
Add, stir and serve!
(a+b)2 = a2 +2a.b+ b2
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF HELPING THEM ON SUMMER?
As soon as we reach the end of school season, We parents, pretend not to know how bad they did in Math. And we don't blame you, the kiddie has been exposed to this Demon for 9 months, and they need a break, like we did. But just think! checking up on your google search engine and find the next year's curriculum is not harder than installing that Flat screen TV on your wall.
If you know that your kid is going to eleven grade, try a little of reading about Geo or Trig. There some amazing videos on YouTube, from the geeks like us. If you know your little treasure is going to be on 4th grade next year...then look into Those Joy divisions and immerse with him/her into that roller coaster. Your kid will admire your time with him/her. Actually, they will remember those precious times with you. You will be mentioned on their facebook, for just spending a few hours with them, facing the threat of Math and its tentacles. Hey! Good Luck!
