Math. We all had to learn it at some point, but why do we need it? While it may seem like a difficult and pointless subject for many students, it is actually necessary for everyday life. Without math, a lot of things would be very confusing! So when your child asks why they need to learn math (which is inevitable), you will want to know how to explain to them why it is so important. In this blog post, we will discuss why we need math and how to explain to your child that it will help them out in the long run!
Is Math Misrepresented?
Many children don’t like math because of the way it is misrepresented in school. As a math teacher myself, I try to make my classes as fun and enjoyable as possible while showing children why they need math. However, everyone has a different way of teaching, and some children may do well in some teachers’ classes and not in others. How math is presented can either get children excited about learning or deter them from wanting to learn.
A book called What is Mathematics, Really? By Mathematician Reuban Hersh explored how math is taught in school. It turns out that millions of students experience a depleted version of math which has little resemblance to the mathematics that is practiced in the real world. This may be why so many children believe math is just a subject they must suffer through in school and why they question why they even need to learn mathematics. In our math tutoring at Dropkick Math Academy, we ensure that students are focused on why they need math, making it easier for them to understand and more eager to learn.
Why Math Is Important
If your child is struggling, suffering from low confidence in math or questioning why they need to learn math, it is vital to help them understand how important math is in the real world. The following are the top reasons why math is important, and everyone needs to learn math to be successful in everyday life.
Math Helps Us Make Sense of the World Around Us
Math is often seen as a dry and abstract subject, but its applications are all around us. In fact, math is essential for understanding the world around us. To take just one example, consider the field of physics. Physics is the study of the physical world and relies heavily on math. The equations that physicists use to describe the behaviour of matter and energy are all based on math. Without math, physicists would be unable to make any sense of the physical world. This is just one example of how math helps us make sense of the world around us
Think about it—everything in the world can be broken down into numbers. From the amount of money in our bank accounts to the dimensions of the rooms in our homes, numbers are a part of everything we do. Math helps us make sense of those numbers and understand how they relate to the world around us. So next time your child is struggling with a math problem, help remind them that they are just trying to make sense of the world around them.
Math Helps Us Make Decisions
Math can seem a little less daunting if we apply it to real life. So, if children are taught that math is needed to help them make decisions as they go through life, they may think of problem-solving differently.
To help your child understand, tell them to pretend they are going to get their first car. But first, they need to decide whether to buy it or lease it. They will need to consider the cost of the car, the interest rate on the loan, the length of the loan, their trade-in value, and the monthly budget. With a basic understanding of math, they can plug all of this information into an equation and calculate which option is best for them. Of course, math can also help them with more everyday decisions, whether they should buy the item on sale or wait until later. Or maybe they will need to decide how to divide up a bill between themselves and their friends. In both cases, math could help them make the best decision by giving them all the information they need to weigh their options.
Math Teaches Us How to Think Logically
Many people believe that math is nothing more than a set of boring rules and equations. However, math is actually all about thinking logically. At its heart, math is all about logically solving problems. This process of thinking things through step-by-step can be applied to any number of scenarios outside of math class, from cooking dinner to fixing a broken appliance. Whenever we encounter a problem, we can use our math skills to think through it logically and find a solution.
To do this, we need to be able to identify patterns, make deductions, and spot potential errors. In other words, we need to think like detectives. This process of logical reasoning can be applied to any area of life, from everyday decision making to solving complex problems at work. When a child learns how to think logically, they can develop powerful problem-solving skills that will serve them well in all areas of their lives.
Math Helps Us Develop Critical Thinking Skills
In addition to teaching us how to think logically, math also helps us develop our critical thinking skills. This is done in several ways. First, math provides a structured way of thinking about problems and solutions. By learning to break down problems into smaller steps, we can more effectively identify the key issues and brainstorm possible solutions. Additionally, math encourages us to think logically and systematically about problems. We learn to look for patterns and relationships and to use deductive reasoning to arrive at conclusions. These skills are essential not only in math class but in everyday life as well. Whenever we encounter a problem, whether it’s something as simple as deciding which route to take to work or something more complex, we use critical thinking skills. So next time your child is struggling with a math problem, don’t worry. Just remember that they are actually developing an important life skill and help them brainstorm possible solutions.
An Important Part Of Everyday Life
Children may not realize it yet, but math is actually an essential part of our everyday lives. It helps us make sense of the world around us, make decisions, think logically, and develop critical thinking skills—skills that are valuable in all aspects of life. So next time your child struggles with a math problem, it could be a great time to point out why we need to learn math. Let’s face it, no one wants to learn something if they don’t know the point behind it!
At Dropkick Math Academy, we use every opportunity in our math tutoring to help children understand why mathematics is important to learn. By also focusing on the foundational concepts (number sense, operational sense, algebraic reasoning, and proportional reasoning), our engaging, innovative programs help students fully understand critical concepts that are the base fundamentals of mathematics.
We also address deficiencies while correcting any underlying misconceptions about mathematics. All instructors are qualified Ontario Certified Teachers who can offer differentiated approaches, making them accessible for all learning needs.
Learn more about our math help services by clicking here today!
