How to Enhance Reading and Mathematical Skills in Kids

Children learn and develop mathematical skill with time. It’s true, but if they are encouraged and engaged in some specific activities, they can improve faster and will have long lasting effect as well. Experts believe that if we try to teach and instill math skill right from toddler-hood, the child will have better and accurate calculations throughout his life. Children’s math fluency increases with mental math skills and so if you start encouraging your toddler to read and count, he will advance to higher level of mathematics very easily.

Reading and mathematical skills are not just taught in school. Children learn a lot from their parents especially when parents involve themselves in their child’s overall development.  We have included some simple and fun activities to help strengthen your child’s math skills and boost his self-confidence in return.

Activities to strengthen math skills in young kids

Encourage your child to read hoardings and sign boards

When you are going out with kids, inspire them to read the boards and hoardings that they come across on roads. This will not only help them recognize letters and words faster, but also increase their speed and accuracy in reading.

Read menu cards in restaurants

Next time you plan to dine with your kids, let them select the items. Have patience and be supportive to your child. Let him explore and read the items. If he is struggling to read any word, help him by giving a hint or at times read the word for him also. This will also make your child feel special.

Read the number plates of vehicles

When you are going for a long ride or even when going to the mall or any place to visit, let children enjoy reading the number plates of bus, cars and other vehicles crossing by. This will not only help your child enhance his reading skills, but also keep him busy and you will be surprised to see how much he is enjoying the drive.

Simple addition and subtraction in everyday activities

Take your child along with you when you go to buy vegetables, fruits or simple household items. Ask him to add and tell you how much to give to the shopkeeper. Depending on your child’s smartness and intelligence you can also ask him how much the shopkeeper will give you back if you give him greater value of currency. Kids love this and try to work faster and accurately as well.

Let your child remember your mobile number

Mobile numbers are large and not so easy to remember. Encourage your child to repeat your number from time to time. This will also help him remember and dial your number if he finds himself in any emergency.

When your child tries to read or count, you should never discourage or disturb him. Depending on his age, he will take some time. If he is wrong, help him do that correctly. This will make him take more interest and boost his reading and math skills as well as his self-confidence.