Better Math Score Starts With 3-Dos
Hi Parents
We often hear that children do not do well in the Math because they are unable to understand the concepts or use the right methods to solve. Yet we have also seen many of whom have performed well though they started off hating Math as a result of these challenges. To find out more about these success cases click here to inspire your child.
The truth is, before we even talk about concepts, most children are just not equipped with the basic skills needed in problem sum solving. Yes, we are talking about real basic stuff without all the buzz words like heuristics, strategies, methodologies, etc. Those are not going to get the child anywhere until he internalises what we call the “3 Dos To Math Language”.
1. Do work on what each problem sum statement means, one at a time.
2. Do link the relationship of one subject (A to B or B to C) to another to come out with each mathematical expression (be in it model-drawing format, ratio or timeline).
3. Do think and relate the mathematical relationships in context to each question statements.
While it may look simple, the 3 Dos To Math Language are often overlooked by children due to lack of guidance, discipline to consistently do it at all times and patience to follow through.
To develop the skills in the 3 Dos To Math Language, first prepare short problem statements for your child to work on before he even starts solving a complete problem sum.
Using the topic on fraction as an example, let’s illustrate how short problem statements that we prepare for our students at Oodles Learning help them to better understand the Math language in fraction:
The students link the 2 subjects (children to people in eg A and children to adults in eg B) and we make them do 2 mathematical relationships from 2 different perspectives. This exercise, given at the start before a new topic, will help the students to understand what each problem statement means to be able to extract the mathematical relationship in context to the problem sum.
Once this 3 Dos To Math Language is done, then are we able to think about strategies (which really is a separate discussion on its own).
So if you find that your child often stares into a problem sum for a long, long time, then it is a very high chance that he has not been trained on the 3 Dos To Math Language. For this coming exam, you might want to revisit how best to help your child beyond the buzz words of strategies, concepts, methodologies, etc.
Of course, the 3 Dos To Math Language is only one of the core skills that a child must have to even start solving problem sums. Mistakes made through carelessness, precision in answering and lost of method marks are some other common pains that can be avoided when your child is given the right training and guidance.
If what you have been trying has not helped your child, then with this coming 2018 academic year, start right by focusing on building the right skills in your child to attain that significant improvement in areas that he has been struggling in. Thousands of children have learnt this fortunately in time for them to perform in PSLE! And your child should enjoy that same advantage!
The 3 Dos To Math Language is only one of the many skills needed to good math problem sum solving. To learn more about how your child can acquire the right skills for him to score in his Math in 2018, simply click on the banner below.
Talk to you soon
Elsa
Co-founder onSponge
P.S Oodles Learning uses the “3 Dos To Math Language” in its curriculum and teaching approach to help our students develop one of the many core skills for them to score A/A* for Math.
Since 2012, Oodles Learning has helped thousands of students to excel in PSLE Math Exams. Currently, there are 9 centres island-wide that achieve more than 80% A/A* PSLE performers annually.
