How to Create a love for Maths in Children

Make it as easy as 2+2.

- Bhanu Chandran

Which subject do you like most? If such a question is posed to young kids, the percentage that says Maths will be very less. Why do kids find Maths hard? Why do some of them even dread Maths? To quote Lord Mecaulay who was considered to be one of the most brilliant men who ever lived, "I feel like a trigonometrical canon, a walking table of logarithm.”

These were his words to his mother when he started learning Algebra and Trigonometry in school. Ironically he evolved the education system in India. Some kids are naturally endowed with Maths skills while some need to struggle to acquire it. Many kids jokingly refer to Algebra as a zebra and a cobra but, with proper guidance and support, maths can be made fun and kids can learn to enjoy it. With joy comes the interest, and skills follow.

First of all, a question arises in our minds. Why should we develope maths skills? Basic knowledge of Maths is a must for every child. Being skillful or, at least, competent in Math is necessary to survive in modern life. We need Math to manage personal finances , travel, make purchases as well as doing everyday chores . Engineering, high technology, finance and other careers require high Math skills. Even non-Math careers require that employees have sharp analytical and reasoning skills, which can be acquired when brains are trained in Math. In a nutshell, life ceases to function without Maths.

Secondly , parents and teachers should strive to instil an interest for Maths in children even at a very young age since it sharpens the brain, improves the analytical skills etc. 2007 study published in the journal Developmental Psychology reveals that a child's math skill at kindergarten is a stronger predictor of later school achievement than reading skills or the ability to pay attention.