CIS Family Math

When children leave their math classes, they are continually using what they have learned:

• keeping score in a basketball game
• finding change for a snack or a soda
• figuring out how much time they have left for recess

Today's mathematics is more that just counting or memorizing math facts. It involves the ability to think logically, to communicate and to solve problems. All of those are skills essential to success in our technological age. Parents can help develop these math skills. Lots of opportunities exist to do math with your children, even the younger ones:

• At mealtime, use the package to compare the nutritional value of various breakfast cereals
• When you are traveling, calculate how long your journey will take. How long will you spend flying? And then the drive to the hotel?
• Check the daily weather report. Compare the high and low temperatures for the week.
• During playtime, look for games that involve counting, strategy and probability (such as snakes and ladders, chess and go fish).

You don't need to be a math expert when you work with your children on problem solving. Encourage different solutions, Keep the discussion light and the sessions short. The idea is to cooperate in identifying and exploring math problems. Everyone can have a good idea to solve a problem.