How does your child learn to do math?

Question

My 8 year old son is learning double digit multiplication and touching on long division..

I have been reading different learning styles on how to teach this.. I have been using the standard algorithm becasue its what I know and it seems to be the most efficent.. but some websites are showing other kinds that are, to me, more confusing as that is not the way I learned..

Some are suggesting cluster problems-- which seems like a longer way to do the same thing but it helps teach place value.. but they learn that when they learn addition and subtraction... I think by the time they get to multiplication they should know.. There are also other types of algorithms but they also seem confusing..

So my question is what system did/does your child ( or yourself) learn? what were the pro's and cons?

Answer 1

Most important is to develop basic number sense and estimation skills. A child should not be introduced to the algorithms until they understand the underlying concepts. Multipication is repeated addition and division is repeated subtraction. Addition and multipication are are easier to learn. Using graph paper to make an array is a good place to start. 5X8 would make an array that looks like a rectangle with a width of 5 boxes and a length of 8 boxes. One can also make the array of 8X5. The array then turns on its side, These options are what make addition and multipication easier to learn. Subtraction and division don't have that flexibility. Using square tiles, pennies, crayons to color in graph paper boxes, whatever you have around the house, will provide visual proof of how multipication works. Compare this to 5+5+5+5+5+5+5+5 and 8+8+8+8+8 and discuss the pros and cons of each. Counting by 5 is a good way to estimate the answer. Estimates of 20 or 245 make no sense and show a lack of understanding. Place value is much more difficult when first multiplying or dividing so it is important to understand basic place value first. When multiplying 43X56 you are multiplying 3 ones and 6 ones to start. You then multiply 6 ones by 4 tens, and so on. Clusters help kids visualize the process and explain the importance of place value. Take 40X20. Some kids will answer 80. Ask the kid who missed that zero what he would rather have, $80 or $800. That kid will pay much more attention to place value and give greater attention to zero as a place holder. Think how you use multipication in your daily life. Seldom do we use the algorithm without first estimating or using repeated addition. Understanding rather than rote memorization will serve your child best in the long run.

Answer 2

the standard alogrithm? its multiplication, i would call that a process. The best way to learn something is to do it over and over and over. Just teach whatever process he seems to like most. Most important: explain how the problems arent getting harder, just longer.

Answer 3

I can tell you what happened with me when my daughter needed help with her math lesson. Well I was helping the way I had learned how to solve the math problems. anyway, when she came home the next day, I asked her about it as I knew they were all correct. The teacher marked them all wrong!because the math wasnt done like she taught them. So how could I know. ? so needless to say, that was the end of me helping with homework!! bettyk

Answer 4

Have you tried flash cards? Or the leep frog program? Also at school supply stores and dollar tree they have posters. I use the K12 program as we home school. And if all else fails try the local high school or college for a student to help maybe to tutor your son.

Answer 5

I think the best way to learn math is by far, repetition. just do problems over and over again.