INVOLVING WITH KIDS AT HOME - PART3 (Learning tables by heart)

Ma, why should I memorise tables? I can always compute it, I know how to do that.

Well unless Iam sure as to why she should memorise tables, how can I convince her?

This is why I insist on memorising tables....
If I can commit key facts to long term memory, then my working memory if free to do more deeper and complex learning. I will be more efficient in my work. This is my logic, my reasoning and it has worked for me.

But is just rote practice and smart tricks to recall sufficient?
Define toy NO! You need reasoning with fluency in recall. A few simple activities at home can help. Another dining time discussion.

What is fluency?
Check out Susan Russel’s definition as “a well-built mathematical foundation with 3 parts”, as follows
1. The Structure - Understanding the meaning of operations and their relationship and arrangement. E.g. multiplication as repeated addition (3x10 = 10+10+10)
2. Relation - knowing facts and how they relate to each other. ( If I know this, then how do I make a connection? 4x5=20, so I can say 4x50=200)
3. Concept - the base 10 number system and how the same numbers behave in different operations
(24x10=240 but 24+10=34)

So darling, it’s not about recalling a fact from memory. It is the Real Fluency, deep understanding of concept + recall accurately and with speed.

Check this out!
If you know 2x2 is 4
Then Super Size it 2x2000 is ?
Now Skinny Size it 0.2x10 is?

Get going doll......

INVOLVING WITH KIDS AT HOME - PART2 (Analogy)

Looking for a fun family dining experience?  Try personalised Analogy!!!
7am : breakfast :: 8pm : —————
Idli : sambar :: ————- : chole
Oh we have so much fun.

So what is a analogy?
It’s a comparison between two things that show a way in which they are similar. It is more of an inference or making connection from one detail to another.
Wikipedia will give you the example of atom and solar system ( Rutherford, later modified by Niels Bohr).

Why Analogy?
It is a very useful tool to see how you make connections, between different details. Helps in problem solving, understanding concepts, convey message, make an argument, improve perception/memory/creativity/ conceptualisation/ communication and what not!

Besides linguistic, logical and numerical analogies are a definite part of any competitive exam.

Numerical Analogy....
Is basically identifying relationship, similarity or difference between a group of numbers. It can be of two types,
1. Looking for a missing number/pattern
2.  Finding relation between the numbers
Look for relations like factors, multiples, primes, square numbers, roots etc.

So get going. There are numerous Analogy downloads available online

INVOLVING WITH KIDS AT HOME - PART 1 (measurements)

Simple supporting activities at home, which go a long way to helps kids understand math concepts.

-Ma today they taught measurements of weight in school. What do you mean by 100grams? How does it look?
-Do one thing. Go to the store room and bring some packets of different items.
Now, check what is written as weight on these packets.
-kanji mix 450g, vermicelli 170g, toothpaste 200g, pan puri masala 100g and complan 500g. (She held them in her hands and compared the weight)
- Do you get an idea? This is how different weights feel.

A simple exercise to help the kids visualise a concept. She volunteered to do demo for liquids and did a awesome job :)

Ps - I still school at home :)