Learning basic math skills is expected in primary school. But, what do children really benefit from the endeavor?
Math skills are an important pillar in understanding mathematics, including mathematics concepts such as addition and subtraction alongside multiplication and division.
In this article, we’ll cover 8 benefits children will acquire with an understanding of basic math skills.
1) Improves problem solving skills
Students are required to solve various math problems while learning math. This allows them to also practice their problem solving skills as they go.
Learning basic math skills allows students to be more proficient and efficient in using their problem solving skills.
Not only can they solve problems much faster and more confidently, but they will also have a strong foundation for more complex math challenges ahead.
2) Allows them to practice critical thinking
Solving math problems involves not only problem solving skills, but also critical thinking skills.
Not all math practice problems are straightforward, such as word problems. Sometimes, students need to properly understand the question in order to develop the correct answer.
This can involve:
- Imagining the problem in their heads
- Analyzing the information from multiple angles
- Making an informed decision on how to solve it
Understanding the basic math skills will help your child develop a critical mindset while learning math.
3) Encourages rational thinking
Students can’t use random math concepts or formulas and hope that it will be the answer to their math problems.
They need to understand the question – using the skills we’ve mentioned above – and match it with the correct math concept to solve the problem.
By learning basic math skills, children can practice rational thinking to understand the various sets of rules and patterns in math.
4) Stimulates their creativity
Students don’t just use numbers and formulas to solve complex problems. Sometimes, they also need to use their creativity too.
Sometimes, math problems are complex to understand. Students need to think of multiple angles and push their imagination to see how they can solve the problem.
If students have an understanding of basic math skills beforehand, they can push their creativity beyond their limits by using the knowledge they know.
5) Strengthens their daily skills
Children will inevitably face various aspects of math in their daily lives.
Whether it’s to count fruits, tell the time, or manage their finances, math plays a huge role in people’s routine.
Thus, learning basic math skills will provide children with the understanding they need to navigate daily scenarios.
Try telling them to take count of how often they do acts of adding and subtracting during the day, and witness their surprise.
6) Equips them for higher math levels
A building will stand tall and strong if it has a solid and firm foundation beneath it.
The same thing applies to how children store new knowledge in their heads.
As children progress to more advanced math classes, they will need to keep strengthening their foundation – in this case, their basic math skills – to be able to understand them.
Polishing their knowledge of basic math skills will allow children to gradually grow their knowledge to pass exams, such as the PSLE.
7) Enhances their spatial awareness
Math skills aren’t restricted to math concepts or a number sense, but also learning of math shapes.
Learning math also involves being familiar with numerous shapes, from simple shapes such as a square and circle, to more complex shapes, such as a hexagon and a prism.
Solving math problems using those shapes will allow children to develop their spatial awareness.
This means they would be aware of how much space a shape can have not just in math courses, but also in the real world, through architecture and furnishing.
8) Prepares them for their future
Finally, learning math skills will overall provide children with the skills and experience they need to face their future.
Take a look back at every benefit we’ve discussed. Each skill and benefit is easily applicable to situations outside the classroom.
For example, children can utilize those skills to gain valuable experiences, both in education and otherwise, to create an attractive resume or CV.
They can also use those skills to enhance their IQ and EQ, becoming a formidable candidate in the job market to land that job interview.
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