The Common Core encourages us to build our students’ math
problem solving skills – focusing on the process as much as the outcome. Modeling math problem solving strategies and
talking about the process is a great first step. In class we work to find the teachable moment
and help our children see math problem solving is an integral part of so many
of the things we encounter each day at school, at home, or wherever we
are. We start simply, use rich math
language, and strive to build a firm foundation. Here are some things you as parents can do to
help your child put their problem solving strategies to work:
·
Look for and point out examples of mathematics
all around. It is almost everywhere.
·
Examine patterns in the calendar, the days of
the week, months of the year, and seasons.
·
Count objects.
Play games and use dice to count and move. Discuss the numbers and what move is greater
or less than another.
·
Count in a variety of ways – by ones, twos, fives,
or tens.
·
Use manipulatives to help solve problems. (pennies, rocks, marbles, or any object that
you can use to manipulate and solve a problem)
·
Act out problem solving situations. If I see two bare feet, how many toes do I
see? How would we model that with math
language? 5 + 5 = 10
·
Find shapes in the environment and discuss how
they are alike and different. How many
sides do you see? How many corners? (or
vertices – great math language!)
·
Measure and compare when cooking or working on
projects.
·
Talk about how you solve problems. Having discussions about the problem solving
process helps your child develop strategies to attack problems
independently.
·
Ask your child, “How did you solve that
problem? Can you show me?” Encourage children to use pictures, numbers,
words, or manipulative to show what they know.
·
Use hints to guide children in their problem
solving rather than giving them the answer.
·
Celebrate success, encourage perseverance, and help
build self-confidence in your child.
It is amazing the problem-solving abilities
that our young students possess. As
facilitators of their learning we need to model and provide multiple
opportunities to enrich and expand their good problem solving skills and work
to create a desire to be a lifelong learner.
“Learning is experience. Everything else is just information.” - Albert Einstein