The term ‘mental math’ is pretty self-explanatory. You do math in your head.
The insinuation may be easy to make but the application of the same is just as difficult.
Especially for budding kindergartners who have recently learnt how to do math for kindergarten.
From addition to subtraction to multiplication and division. These are just some of the math concepts for kindergarten that its students have to learn.
So, fresh off of having realised how to do the math they are then asked to do it mentally.
It is a bit of a reach, to say the least. And in order to understand why we need to explore the math that kindergarteners learn and how difficult just doing that can be for them.
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Let’s get on with it!
Math for Kindergarten
We have already learnt that the basics of mathematics is what consists of kindergarteners math syllabus.
But there’s more.
Like patterns and recognising shapes along with counting properly.
There are also less than and more than exercises that they have to get right. On top of that, they are expected to do it all in their head. After just learning the math concept for kindergarten.
To make the shift easier, there are certain activities available to make sure kindergarteners get it right. They are used widely and have been proven to work time and time again.
Math Activities for Kindergarten
There are many activities to ensure that kindergarteners can learn how to do math in a proper and right manner while doing it mentally.
Some of them are-
- Sorting through puzzles.
- Number bingo.
- Numerical collage.
- Board games.
These help students to grow and develop their minds organically while having fun and making memories.
Sorting through Puzzles
Sorting through puzzles is like making connections and using faculties of the brain that would otherwise not get much exercise.
Bringing out the logical side of the head, this keeps it sharp and ensures that these can be applied in math concept for kindergarten.
Number Bingo
Number bingo on the other hand helps with counting and having fun while at it.
This enables the child to make progress and continue to do so as they play with the numbers and cut off those that are not required by recognising the names of the same.
Numerical Collage
Numerical collage enables kindergarteners to learn numbers in the proper order so as to finish the task at hand.
This takes place in an effortless fashion for the kid thinks of it as play rather than studying and continues to try and get better at it. This motivation is often missing when only studies are involved.
Board Games
Board games are also a tremendous way to increase a kindergartener’s levels of math interest.
There are multiple ranges of games that include basic mathematics kits and help students to revisit and revise the foundational layer of the subject.
These math activities have a lasting impact on the child’s mind and they will remember it forever once they understand the principles and concepts behind the math activities.
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Math Puzzles for Kindergarten
As we discussed before, making sure that kindergarteners are having fun while learning makes for better read students who are more excited about math as a whole.
Other than math activities for kindergarten, there are math puzzles out there to help the kindergarteners get better at the above-mentioned subject.
Jigsaw puzzles are one of them. Especially the ones with numbers that involve addition, subtraction, multiplication and division when trying to solve the game.
Is there Any Other Way?
This is another way of making math fun and easy for the mind to comprehend while playing games and building up a strong base in the subject.
Trying to explain math concepts for kindergarten is a puzzle in itself.
Therefore, it becomes imperative to employ the use of fun games and helping materials like these to make sure the kids are able to understand the concepts properly.
To top it off, they are entertaining for both parties; the teachers and the students, and it helps with strengthening the bonds between them.
So, we now know how important of a role having fun while studying plays for proper understanding of the subject.
But how do we do that without the help of games and other accessories?
Let’s find out!
Making Math Fun
The one trick to make math for kindergarten more fun is using food as examples when trying to explain concepts and expecting answers from the students.
This gimmick of sorts can be modified to be used as per the student’s desires and wants.
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For example, when trying to explain addition to a kid try using chocolate chip cookies as the element they will be adding. This helps students to identify themselves with the question and gives them further incentive to solve it.
Also Read: Math Game For Kids: Develop Maths Skills with a Mix of Fun and Entertainment
Understanding the Curious Mind
When kids are young, they are curious and see the world with a wondrous eye.
It is therefore up to us to make sure that they do not lose that spark because of the pressure of studies.
Children want to learn everything that they come across and have an open mind towards life.
They are impressionable and it becomes our responsibility to let them go out into the world in a manner where they are ready to take on things that they come across with ease and grace.
Mathematical applications will be one of those things if we do not intervene in a manner that helps them have fun with it.
And showing them how to do so encourages growth and development in the subject in a positive manner.
Conclusion
Let’s summarise what the moral of this article is.
We learnt how to make mental math more feasible for kindergarteners and that having fun while doing so is the way to go.
Using games and other accessories also helps with the same, and if that is not your style then utilising what the child desires and turning it into questions also help increase their motivation to solve them.
That is it! If you have any other queries feel free to drop them in the comments section down below and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
