Math workbooks are physical books that contain exercises and activities designed to help children master math concepts and skills. They’re an effective way to reinforce math lessons taught in school, build math fluency, and prepare for standardized tests. Here are some reasons why math workbooks are so effective and how you can use them to help your child succeed in math.
Improved Retention and Recall
Research shows that handwriting math problems on paper engages the brain in a way that typing on a digital device does not (Carter & van Doorn, 2019). Writing by hand activates the brain’s neural pathways, which are crucial for learning and memory. This means that when kids work through math problems on paper, they’re more likely to remember the information and be able to recall it later on.
Customizable Learning Environment
When kids work on a digital device, they’re at the mercy of the device’s settings, which may not be conducive to learning. For example, the brightness of the screen, the font size, and the formatting of the text can all impact a child’s ability to learn effectively. By contrast, with math workbooks, parents have complete control over the learning environment, allowing them to customize the experience to the child’s needs. For example, if your child is struggling with multiplication, you can choose a workbook that focuses on that skill.
Improved Fine Motor Skills
Writing with a pencil or pen can help improve a child’s fine motor skills, which are essential for tasks like writing, drawing, and even typing. This is because when kids work with a physical tool like a pencil, they’re required to use the muscles in their hand and fingers in a way that they may not be using when typing on a keyboard or using a touchscreen.
Fewer Distractions
Digital devices are inherently distracting, with notifications, ads, and other pop-ups vying for our attention. This can make it difficult for kids to focus on their work, leading to a decrease in productivity and an increase in frustration. By contrast, working from math workbooks allows kids to focus solely on the task at hand, minimizing distractions and improving their ability to concentrate.
Tips for Using Math Workbooks
Here are some tips for using math workbooks to help your child succeed in math:
- Start with the basics: Choose a workbook that covers the basics of math, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Set a regular schedule: Set aside a specific time each day or week for math workbook practice.
- Mix it up: Use a variety of workbooks and exercises to keep your child engaged and interested.
- Make it fun: Incorporate games, puzzles, and other activities into your child’s math practice to keep things fun and interesting.
- Celebrate success: When your child completes a workbook or masters a new math concept, celebrate their success and encourage them to keep going.
Math workbooks are an effective way to help your child learn and remember math facts. By providing kids with physical tools to work with, parents can help improve retention and recall, minimize distractions, customize the learning environment, improve fine motor skills, and enhance problem-solving skills. With a little bit of practice and perseverance, your child can become a math whiz in no time.
References:
Carter, J. C., & van Doorn, J. (2019). The effect of note-taking
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