Can Numbers Be Fun?

May 7, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Commutative diagram for morphism.
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Studying math in school isn’t commonly considered fun. Children and adults alike may struggle with basic and complex computations, even when they have a good grasp of mathematics. Can numbers be fun? Fun With Numbers, a blog dedicated to celebrated mathematician Andrew Grothendieck, says yes.

Math doesn’t have to feel like a frightening entity, a subject best-reserved for brainy, scientific minds. Fun With Numbers explores how math affects even the ordinary and the everyday, everything from bank loans to the boiling point of water. Using the ideas expressed by Andrew Grothendieck, Fun With Numbers shows that math can be a recreational activity, not just a subject to be studied in school. Grothendieck is a celebrity in the world of mathematics, an award-winning scientist who later refused to accept the many honors heaped upon him.

From competitive math to every day computations, Fun With Numbers explains how math relates to daily life in a casual, relatable way that makes mathematics approachable and easy. Want to pay off a mortgage sooner, become a master at casino games online, figure out how much that auto insurance policy really costs for the coverage it provides? Fun With Numbers shows readers how to do all of this and more. Readers will even have the opportunity to explore competitive math, a world that most people will never experience.

It isn’t just about recognizing math; it’s about knowing exactly how to use it, too. Fun With Numbers helps to turn math into a game, making it easier to grasp the concept of using numbers. It is possible to be entertained by math, and that’s just what this Grothendieck-centric blog explores. The famed mathematician has lived reclusively since 1991, but his ideas and his way with numbers is still the stuff of math legend. Can numbers be fun? Fun With Numbers proves that they are.

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Math Stations for First Graders Part 1

March 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Many first grade teachers have started to use the station concept of teaching. Stations allow students to be broken up into smaller groups and get more one on one time with their teacher as they learn various math concepts. Math is a very popular subject to have various stations in as it allows the teacher to reinforce certain concepts and make sure that each student understands the concept.

Here is a look at some types of math stations that teachers can create for their class. These activities are ideal for children in the first grade.

Money Cans. Money cans are a great way to see if children understand the concept of math. The children will be presented with various containers that contain play coins. You will show them the cans and have them count out the coins. You can record their answers or help them figure out how to add the coins up. This will allow you to see who is grasping the concept of money, who needs more work and what parts might need to be reinforced in the classroom.

Weight Stations. One of the basic math concepts children learn during the first grade is the concept of more, less or equal. Have various cards made up of different situations and have the children work out whether it will be more, less or equal. After they have guessed have them take the objects in the picture and try out the concept first hand. This will allow them to learn research, testing and reinforce the various math concepts that you are trying to teach.

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Teaching Math to Young Children

January 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Group of children in a primary school in Paris

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When you have children, you teach them things from the day they are born – whether you realize it or not. As babies and young children, you teach them how to communicate with you, first by crying or grunting, then by speaking. You teach them to feed themselves, to walk and more. But it isn’t until children are a bit older that people begin to consciously think about teaching them the kind of knowledge that they will use in school as they age. Things like their colors, how to spell their name, and yes, even math.

Even tiny babies have the ability to learn patterns – a basic math concept. When a child is 6 months old or so, he or she may learn repetition or pattern by stacking a few blocks, knocking them over, and stacking them up again. Babies who are a little older are ready to learn about space. You have surely seen children place a small toy repeatedly in and out of a box. That child is learning how elements in our space relate to one another. He or she is learning math.

As children become toddlers, they begin to derive more joy from having their parents and caregivers read to them. There are many simple books available that focus on specific numbers and on counting. This is wonderful way to not only bond with your child, but to introduce more age-appropriate math concepts.

At this age, another great activity to boost your child’s math skills is counting. Develop the habit of counting things with your child. When at the grocery store, count the items you place in your cart. When getting dressed, count the number of snaps or buttons on your child’s clothing. You can even try counting toys, steps, and more.

There is an endless number of ways you can teach your child basic math skills. Make it a habit, and watch your child’s knowledge blossom.

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