Math is a subject that just does not come naturally to all children. When the school bell gives its final ring for the year, this is one of the many things elementary-aged children want to leave far behind in favor of family vacations, swimming and hanging out with their friends.
If your child is struggling with this topic, vacation time is actually an excellent opportunity to give them a hand in a very fun way. Roads trips, in fact, can prove to be a great platform for giving them a boost when they return to class.
So, how can you work math into a family road trip? Try doing these things:
Counting items of interest – If your child is just learning math, work on counting as the miles pass by. Have them count the number of red cars they see, McDonald’s they pass or something else of interest.
Snack attack subtraction – Pull out some of your child’s favorite wrapped snacks and work on subtraction lessons as you hand them out. Say something like, “If we have 10 snacks and Daddy gobbles up three, how many does that leave for you?” Let the child actually hold and count out the snacks if the manipulative helps.
Multiplication madness – Many elementary schools these days do not have the time to fully help youngsters with memorizing their multiplication tables. Help your child out by making this a game on the road. Have them recite their times tables as far as they can go by memory or quiz them at random. If they pull off X number right, reward them with a prize at the next rest stop.
Learning does not have to end just because school is out. Family vacations present a lot of opportunities for making the lessons pay off.
September 4, 2009
