Math and the Brain
Learning Mathematics
More than just numbers!
Often mathematics is oversimplified to mean calculations and arithmetic.
However, it is so much more than that. Below are just some key concepts your child is learning when they do math.
Spatial reasoning
Problem solving skills
Critical thinking
Visualization
Reasoning and justification
Estimation and comparing quantities
Connecting concrete examples to abstract ideas
It's about connections!
To improve retention of concepts and ideas, individuals need to form multiple connections within their brains. That's why play is such a powerful learning tool. Children (and adults) use visualization, verbal, and symbolic skills at the same time when they are playing. Those skills coupled with the feel-good chemicals released during play create an optimal learning environment. So the best thing you can do for your child is allowing them time to play.
Make mistakes!
Unfortunately, people often believe that you are either a "math person" or not. They heard messages growing up that speed and getting the right answer were the only things that mattered. However, math is about the process and thinking that went into solving a problem.
Mistakes are crucial to helping us learn math because it creates cognitive dissonance in our brain (a key to creating new connections). When given opportunities to work through and correct our own mistakes, we become more confident and retain more information. So be patient and praise your child's hard work!
