How to help your kids master math skill?

Every sensible person in this world knows that basic math skill is not only essential for entering a univerisity of one's choice, but also important for leading a daily life that is relatively hassle-free. While many people, who have undertaken good training in basic math skill in their young ages, are feeling both content and delight that math skill has done wonders to help realize their wildest dreams; others, who have failed to focus their early attention on math skill, are probably having a tough time ruing about their past unintentional neglect or sheer stupidity.

Well, there is no use crying spilt milk; but at least we can all do something now when it comes to making our kids aware the significance of mastering math skill. And the following are what I have done (and still doing) to strenghen my children's math skill.

During the long summer holidays, I ask the kids to do at least 20 math exercises (from math text book that is a few years in advance, and preferably from China) per day. At the end of day, I will go through their exercises and make sure they are correct. If they get something wrong, I will go though the parts of text book with them. When everything is ok, they receive $1.00 for their trouble (I do not give them pocket money, so they have to earn by doing math and writing essay. Otherwise, if kids get money too easily, they do not have any incentives to do math or write essay). They have followed this routine for about 3-4 years now, and when summer holidays are here, they do not require reminding about math exercises. In fact, they often do more than 20 questions per day to earn extra money.

This type of routine has certainly generated some pleasing results. My younger child has skipped one school year, but she still manages to become a top math student in her current year, in which students are at leat one year older that she is. My older child also gets good marks in math, and she does not need my help anymore when it comes to math problems. She will read the math text book herself if she encounters any difficulty.

You see, acquiring math skill can be easy without costing a fortune. It definitely helps build confidence in oneself. Do not wait and pray that your kids will master basic math skill by merely attending school every day. Make a conscious effort to instill a good routine into their life. Perhaps, some kids may feel resentful about being asked to do more than their peers, but in the end, they will be grateful to you for what you have done to help them acquire a vital skill in life.

Mr.tugofwar:

I have read this article.Thank you so much for your generousness and kindness.

I am wondering whether your kids could easily read math questions in Chinese . I can only let my kids do math homework with limited Chinese words in the Chinese text books.

All of  your effective methods to improve kids' reading and math are very good and reasonable. The problem I am facing is that the kids need to be really pushed to do this kind of  after-school homework. At most time, I could get started, but it is very difficult to keep it going. Many parents living in this city complain the similar thing.

I learn from you that paying money to kids after they get their job well done  is one way for encouragement. Any other good suggestion to make kids enjoy doing math and reading? Thanks.

誠懇的請教一下，　經常聽人說教育小孩不要物質刺激．　這種學習給錢的方法，有什麼弊端嗎？
還是在美國不一樣呢？　非常感謝！

No one in his right mind will do anything against his will without some push (or pressure), be it an adult or a kid. For example, if you do not need money to pay your bills, retire your mortgages and enjoy your holidays, will you go everyday to a square place (which people give a nice name called 'office') and spend day after day on those boring routines, get some impolite and occasionally rude phone enquiries, and still have to appear happy? The same can be applied to kids. My kids love to read books (mostly children books) and watch newly released movies. During school period, I do not ask them to do math, but write one essay per week only. However, if any of their grades goes lower than A-, there will be some penalty. This means they will not be allowed to read their favorite books until their grades pick up. During school holidays, they are asked to complete the required math exercises. If they don't, they can not read any books of their liking, and also have to pay for the movie tickets if they want to watch new releases. And this is very firm, and they knew it. I only needed to use the penalty one or two times in the beginning, and now everything is so like routine.

Thanks, tugofwar .

My kids have some sports and musical activities as well as Chinese homework after school. If I want to give them some math homework, they always complain although they could do it anyway. Summer or  winter break is good time to give them more to do, maybe.

Thanks again.

Thank you for sharing the opinion at this point, tugofwar . I may not fully agree with it, but I really appreciate your response. thanks again.

大多海外長大的孩子不喜歡MATH,好在學校里有很多不同的課和不同的MATH. 不必過於操心.