Children can learn to count, add, subtract, divide and multiply all before they can read. This is because it can be taught at such a young age. There are a lot of different ways to tutor arithmetic to young students, but the most effective ways are the ones which are fun and make sense. Younger students aren’t always going to be intrigued with numbers and how arithmetic works, however it can be taught in a way which they enjoy. It’s important that the math is taught with energy and passion so the student is compelled to listen and enjoy it as well. A great first step is organising an ADDITION table where students can see numbers 1 to 20 on both the top row and first column of the graph. This visually depicts how numbers add together which is a good study aid.
We want the students to always understand why something works, and not just how something works. In this way, it’s important that the student understands how numeric operations work. Using visual aids can make things easier for the student, especially if it’s using things they like, such as blueberries or chocolate. There are a lot of ways you can teach the student to understand the concepts of “more” and “less”. You could get two plates and divide an amount of berries between the two plates and explain which plate has more berries. You could use this as a fun game to get the student to get into counting things more often.
Another great way to help younger students to understand basic arithmetic with addition and subtraction is using another game relating to berries. Of course there are a lot of other alternatives; just younger students might appreciate something they enjoy to eat. You would use two plates as before, and put differing amounts on the two plates and ask questions like “What is the sum of all the berries on both plates?” This will get the student counting, thinking, and then adding the numbers together to get a result. As the math work is purely visual in front of them – the proof is there so they understand both how and why adding the two numbers together achieves the sum. A question like”how many more berries does one plate have than the other” is a good way to work toward subtraction as well.
Encourage parents to help the student to learn more about arithmetic by asking the student to count and practice number activities when they’re going about regular activities. Asking the student to help with arranging change when paying for groceries can be very helpful. Generally, the student needs to understand that math is all around us and a fun life-skill. In this way the student will be intrigued and will learn the basics of arithmetic in a quick and interesting way.