如何激發小朋友對數學的興趣

在香港，很多小朋友一聽到「數學」就皺眉頭，覺得枯燥難懂，尤其面對學校密集的測驗和補習壓力。其實數學可以很有趣，只要家長和老師用對方法，就能輕輕鬆鬆點燃孩子對數學的熱情。以下幾個實用建議，特別加入香港常見的生活例子，適合幼稚園至小學生家長參考。

1. 從日常生活入手，讓數學「活」起來

香港生活節奏快，到處都有數學機會：

• 去街市或超市買菜時，一起算錢、找續、比較價錢（例如「呢個蘋果$10三個，嗰個$15四個，邊個平啲？」）。

• 乘坐地鐵或巴士時，數站數、計時間，或者玩「車牌號碼加減遊戲」（車牌數字加埋等於幾多？）。

• 吃飯時分食物，例如「呢個pizza切8件，我哋4個人點分先公平？」或者計八達通餘額。 這樣孩子會發現，原來數學跟香港日常緊緊相連，不再是課本上冰冷的符號。

2. 多用遊戲和故事代替死記硬背

• 玩香港小朋友熟悉的棋盤遊戲，如大富翁（計錢、買樓）、飛行棋，或者用撲克牌玩24點、UNO。

• 去玩具店買積木、LEGO、魔方（Rubik’s Cube），在家搭模型，訓練空間概念。

• 看數學繪本或YouTube頻道，例如Numberblocks、Math Antics，或本地教育城（EdCity）的數學動畫短片。

• 用應用程式玩遊戲化學習：Prodigy、Mathletics、Cool Math Games，或Khan Academy Kids，將解題變成闖關。

3. 鼓勵探索和動手做，減少恐錯心態

• 周末去科學館或公園玩互動展覽，例如計滾球軌跡、搭橋承重實驗。

• 用家裡的東西做小實驗：疊杯子比高、用吸管搭立體形狀，試錯幾次再改進，自然明白平衡和幾何。

• 多問開放式問題：「你覺得呢個八達通餘額點樣先夠搭十次車？」「有冇其他方法分呢堆糖？」讓他們自己思考。

• 讚賞努力而不止是讚結果：「你試咗好多方法，好有創意！」減低對錯答案的恐懼，尤其香港小朋友易有「錯咗就輸」的壓力。

4. 適時引入有趣挑戰，避免過早操練

小朋友興趣最重要，不要太早逼他們做大量計算題或奧數卷。待他們有興趣時，再引入香港常見的數學比賽，如華羅庚杯（華杯賽）、Math Kangaroo、或學校的數學奧林匹克訓練，會事半功倍。一對一補習也可以幫忙，因為老師能因應孩子興趣設計題目，讓他們覺得「原來數學咁好玩」。

總的來說，激發小朋友對數學的興趣，關鍵在於「有趣」和「有成功感」。香港家長只要多用身邊的街市、地鐵、遊戲等多陪伴，多鼓勵，孩子自然會從「怕數學」變成「鍾意數學」。長遠來看，這份興趣會成為他們學習的最大動力。

How to Spark Children's Interest in Mathematics

In Hong Kong, many children find mathematics boring or difficult, especially with frequent school tests and tutoring pressure. Yet maths can be truly engaging. With the right methods, parents and teachers can easily ignite a child's passion for it. Here are practical tips with everyday Hong Kong examples, ideal for parents of kindergarten and primary school children.

1. Bring Maths to Life Through Daily Activities

Hong Kong's fast-paced life offers plenty of math opportunities:

• At wet markets or supermarkets: Calculate prices, change, and value together (e.g., "These apples are $10 for three; those are $15 for four—which is better value?").

• On the MTR or bus: Count stations, estimate travel time, or play license plate addition games.

• During meals: Divide food fairly (e.g., "How do we share this pizza cut into 8 slices among 4 people?") or check Octopus card balances.

This shows children that math is part of everyday Hong Kong life—not just abstract textbook symbols.

2. Replace Rote Learning with Games and Stories

• Play familiar board games like Monopoly (managing money and properties), Snakes and Ladders, or card games such as 24 or UNO.

• Use building toys like LEGO, blocks, or Rubik's Cubes to create models and build spatial skills.

• Watch engaging content: Numberblocks or Math Antics on YouTube, or local EdCity animated math videos.

• Try gamified apps: Prodigy, Mathletics, Cool Math Games, or Khan Academy Kids to turn problems into fun challenges.

3. Promote Hands-On Exploration and Reduce Fear of Mistakes

• Visit the Science Museum or parks for interactive exhibits, such as tracking ball paths or testing bridge strength.

• Conduct simple home experiments: Stack cups, build 3D shapes with straws—allow trial and error to understand balance and geometry naturally.

• Ask open-ended questions: "How much Octopus balance is needed for 10 rides?" or "Is there another way to share these sweets?"

• Praise effort over results: "You've tried so many approaches—that's creative!" This eases the common Hong Kong fear that "wrong answers mean failure."

4. Introduce Challenges at the Right Time

Prioritise interest—avoid forcing drills or advanced problems too early. Once engaged, explore Hong Kong competitions like the Hua Luogeng Cup, Math Kangaroo, or school Math Olympiad training. One-on-one tutoring can tailor problems to the child's interests, helping them discover how enjoyable maths can be.

The keys are making maths "fun" and providing a "sense of achievement." By using local examples—like markets, MTR rides, and games—along with encouragement and companionship, Hong Kong parents can transform "fear of maths" into genuine enthusiasm. This lasting interest will become a powerful driver for lifelong learning.