Who says maths has to be all dry lessons and no fun? With a bit of creativity, both parents and teachers can elevate the learning experience for students and leave them eager to learn more!
In this video, Jason Hiak, founder of Model Math, an enrichment hub by SAFRA and Matrix Math, shows us how they use DIY crafts and games to transform the conventional classroom experience into a fun and enjoyable session.
Let’s play and learn!
Jason introduces two simple activities that you can try at home.
Activity 1: D.I.Y Calendar
Create a calendar that both you and your kids can fill up together.
On a blank piece of paper, draw a 6 x 7 table. Label the top with the month and days of the week, and fill up the grid with the corresponding dates.
Step 1: Circle all the dates that fall on Wednesday in Orange
Step 2: Circle all the dates that fall on Friday in Purple
Step 3: Circle the current date in Pink
Step 4: Pose this question to your kid – “What is the date 10 days after today?”
You can be creative with your questions!
Activity 2: Chef’s Recipe and Bar Graph
Let’s make a sweet berry smoothie with a mathematical twist!
Prepare the following cut-outs:
- 1 Banana
- 4 Strawberries
- 3 Blackberries
- 2 Mint Leaves
- 1 Cup of Yoghurt
- 8 Ice Cubes
With a simple bar graph template (as seen in the video), have your children colour the grid based on the ingredient’s quantities. Dedicate a different colour to each ingredient!
After your kid is done with the bar graph, pose the following questions:
- How many more ice cubes than bananas did we use?
- How many strawberries and blackberries did we use in total?
- If we add 4 more mint leaves into the berry smoothie, how many mint leaves will we use altogether?
- A blackberry costs 5 cents. How much will we have to pay for the blackberries?
Maths made fun
Math does not have to be a big snooze-fest. At Model Math, they move away from the conventional drill-and-practice methodology and instead utilise tools such as games, DIY activities and real-life case studies to impart fundamental arithmetic competencies in a manner that is digestible and engaging.
Ms Christine Tan, who brings her daughter, Meagan, to Model Math at SAFRA Toa Payoh for K2 preschool classes, shares what new students can expect upon their initial enrolment.
“The kids will undergo a formative evaluation prior to their first class. That way, teachers can determine their current level of competence and pair them up with the most suitable module,” she explains. “I particularly like how structured their curriculum is and how they place emphasis on consistent practice.”
More importantly, she is heartened by her daughter’s newfound interest in mathematics. “It’s nice to see Meagan look forward to attending classes every week!” she says.
Sign your child up for a complimentary trial lesson at Model Math at modelmath.sg/programme/preschool-maths-proramme
Find out more about Model Math’s “Building Block Approach” in a primary school class here!
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