For parents of preschoolers who as adults don't “like” math, instilling a positive attitude in your three- to five-year-old may seem like a bit of a con job. Consider, though, all the ways you as a successful adult use math everyday: elapsed time, gallons of gas, counting money, and facing the dreaded bathroom scale. You may not like math but you use it constantly and are comfortable doing so. Getting preschoolers to have positive attitudes about math is a sure path to success.
What’s At Stake
A recent piece in Psychology Today outlined what's at stake for getting preschoolers to hold positive attitudes toward math:
“Consequences of math negativity may include low participation, low challenge tolerance, falling further behind, behavior problems, and avoiding the advanced math classes needed for success in many careers after high school and college.”
The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) suggests ways parents and preschool teachers, as well as all grade level instructors, can make math a source of improved self-esteem:
- Demonstrate the value of math — Use math out loud in everyday settings. (“If the hot dog rolls cost $2.79 and I have $5, I know I'll have enough to buy a package of hot dogs, too!”)
- Hold family conferences — While parent-teacher conferences are great, every meal offers a chance to discuss math success and ways to overcome math anxiety.
Busting Myths
Both Psychology Today and ASCD stress the importance of debunking these classic math myths:
- Boys are better at math than girls
- Either you're born with a math brain or you aren't
- Math doesn’t matter for adults
Identify Success
Instead of telling your child you were bad at math, (giving her or him an excuse not to try), finish the thought: “I did not do well with math, but I worked through that, and I use math everyday as a grown-up. You will too.”
- Point out neighborhood jobs that involve math:
- Mail carrier — Sorting mail by numerical addresses for delivery
- Butcher — Using scales, making correct change
- Doctor — Measuring in metric units, calculating dosages
- Engage your child with mathematical games that ensure early success, like identifying shapes around the house, counting items with distinct traits (all red octagons, for example), or patterning everyday objects like buttons or action figures.
How do you instill a sense of math positivity in your preschooler? Kids Konnect looks forward to hearing your ideas in the space below!