Math Activities in the Home

There are methods by which parents can easily become involved in their children's mathematics education. Several resources provide parents with games and activities that engage children in mathematical thinking and problem solving and, at the same time, build their self-confidence and appreciation for mathematics. An example of this type of resource is the book Helping Your Child Learn Math. Published by the U.S. Department of Education, the book contains 26 activities for children aged 5 to 13. (Online version) The activities illustrate the mathematics that children can experience at home, at the grocery store, and while traveling. Some meaningful activities on a long car trip can alleviate the boredom that so often results in children fighting with each other or asking repeatedly, "Are we there yet?"
Parents' attitudes toward mathematics have an impact on children's attitudes. Children whose parents show an interest in and enthusiasm for mathematics around the home will be more likely to develop that enthusiasm themselves. You Can Help Your Young Child Learn Mathematics, available in both English and Spanish, helps parents communicate the importance of mathematics to their children and become more involved in their children's mathematical education. This book discusses ways that parents can help their children develop good study habits, and it presents activities through which families can make mathematics a part of their daily lives as they travel, cook, garden, and play games.
Reading to children is a treasured activity in many homes. What better way to integrate mathematics into the lives of children than to read them stories that bring mathematical ideas to life? Children's books related to mathematics can be separated into four categories: counting books, number books, storybooks, and concept books. A bibliography of 159 children's books that make a significant connection with mathematics, compiled by Stavroula K. Gailey and published in the January 1993 issue of the Arithmetic Teacher, provides many excellent suggestions for mathematical children's literature to read at home.
Math Matters: Kids Are Counting on You is a resource kit prepared by the National Parent Teacher Association for parents who feel inadequate in helping their children with mathematics. The kit's planning guide describes how local PTAs can use the kit to encourage elementary school parents to become more involved with their children's mathematics education. The kit contains the planning guide, a booklet with 70 suggested math activities for the home, a four-fold brochure summarizing the kit and its purpose, two posters, math stickers, and a 7-minute videotape about the role of parents in opening up opportunities for their children in mathematics.
Although more expensive and requiring extra equipment, technology can be utilized by parents to provide mathematical activities for their children. The best software packages are user friendly and highly interactive, and they offer problems that challenge both students and parents. One exemplary software is The Factory by WINGS. Available in both English and Spanish, this software simulates the operation of a factory production line and requires the user to solve problems involving flaws in production. Another potential resource is the public library, where mathematics videos and computer software are available for use at home or in the library.