Find out the easiest way on how to improve in maths using everyday tricks.

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For tips on dealing with mental maths without using a calculator or pens, try this Fun With Figures
site.
http://tinyurl.com/726pc3y
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There is a strong link between visual input and math comprehension. Elementary school students
who somehow miss out on the "eye-brain-number" connection may have trouble in math class.
Failure to perceive patterns in everyday situations can contribute to difficulties in higher grade
levels. If patterns in floor tiles, sidewalks, brick walls, fabric designs, etc. are never noticed, a child
may have problems with basic math concepts like multiplication. If a child can't estimate numbers
of things fairly closely, math class may bring on unpleasant feelings or fear. A difficulty estimating
is an indication that math help may be needed.
As a special education teacher of middle-school aged students, I saw that these types of deficits
were responsible for many children being several grade-levels behind in math. I devised some
techniques that helped them greatly. First I had to identify any lapses in basic computation skills.
Then I designed lessons that focused on fixing them. Here are a few of the game-type activities
that parents, siblings or tutors can use at home to produce real progress in math. Choose those
which will address the specific needs of your child.
The first involves using dice. If you have a Yahtzee game, you already have the five dice that
come with the game. Other games like Parcheesi or Monopoly also have dice. Dice are excellent
for improving addition speed through recognition of patterns.
Here are a few ways to help your child improve basic math skills:
Throw three dice and quickly add them. Focus on recognizing like numbers (4+4, 6+6) as they
occur and add them first.
Throw four dice and find combinations that add up to ten (4+6, 5+5) and then look for like
numbers. Adding anything to ten is very easy.
Throw all five dice and use both like numbers and ten combinations. Have someone time you over
several throws to get an average time to get the totals. Keep this number to compare with future
efforts and measure improvement.
A couple sets of dominos can be used to improve multiplication ability. Make three or four stacks
of dominos of equal heights. Quickly have your child say the total number of dominos by
multiplying the number in each stack by the number of stacks. Adding the individual dominos is not
allowed except to check for accuracy. Ask your child to demonstrate that three stacks of two is the
same as two stacks of three. This is an important principle in multiplication (2 x 3 = 3 x 2).
Using a checkerboard and two large sheets of paper or cardboard, cover various rows to reveal a

2. rectangle or square pattern. Ask you child to quickly say the total number of squares exposed.
Begin with two rows and increase the number gradually (2 x 2, 2 x 3, 3 x 4, etc.) depending on
your child's ability.
Vary the games occasionally to keep the process fresh and to focus on specific needs. Compare
the new timing averages for dice addition and for domino multiplication so you will be able to
measure progress. Over a few weeks you should see an improvement in speed as the visual-
brain-connection develops.
After you try these techniques, you will have a pretty good idea of whether some remedial work on
basic math facts would be a good idea. The MATH CATCH-UP GUIDE covers these areas plus
other 5th and 6th grade math concepts in an enjoyable 38 lesson format.
The creator of the Math Catch-up Guide, Bill Swift, is a retired special education teacher who has
developed practical techniques for improving math comprehension. A parent, sibling or tutor can
help an upper elementary (4th-7th grade) pupil make quick progress. Please go to
http://www.mathcatch-up.com ( www.mathcatch-up.com ) for more information and to purchase
your copy of the guide.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Swift
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For tips on dealing with mental maths without using a calculator or pens, try this Fun With Figures
site.
http://tinyurl.com/726pc3y
==== ====