Encouraging a Love of Math in Teens
No matter what your teen wants to do with their life, those few years before they turn 18 and enter the adult world should be packed with preparation.
They may want to get a job as soon as they become an adult and start working their way up the career ladder with hands-on experience. Or they may want to go to college first, get a degree in a subject they love, and use that to enter the field of their dreams, armed with knowledge that’ll help them stand out.Â
When it comes to encouraging this future-thinking attitude in your teenager, however, it can be far easier to get them to focus on certain areas over others. And in the case of math, a lot of teens turn up their nose!Â
But we all need to understand math and how far it can take you in life, and, believe it or not, you can still encourage a love for math in your teenager! You just need a few handy tips on your side.
Use Puzzles
Math is often made to be boring through no fault of its own. That’s why there are many teenagers (like my kids were!) out there who want little to do with it, whereas a subject like English is more universally beloved – well, usually. This is because it’s more applied, involving, and teens often get to work on their favorite books, movies, and TV shows.Â
So, start using puzzles in your homeschooling environment; the kind that disguises the math your teen will need to do to solve it. If you can then offer them a small reward at the end, your teen will be a lot more motivated for the next math lesson the next day!Â
Get Some Specialist Tutoring
Math is instantly more lovable when it seems simpler to do. Breaking down even the toughest operations into simpler parts can make your next math lesson or test a lot less stressful. Plus, there’s a great feeling that comes from finally understanding a topic that once seemed hard!
That’s where a bit of specialist tutoring can be put to good use. If your teenager would like to go to college in a year or so, but you’re worried about their chances of tackling academic subjects like math, you can help them place out of the remedial math class they’ll be up against their first semester with a tutor who knows how to break down topics in an way. If you weren’t aware, most colleges have students take placement tests in English and Math before their first semester. How they place determines their first core classes.
Encourage Math Use Outside of the Classroom
Showcase math in everyday life by taking it outside of the classroom. Of course, you don’t want to force it on your teen because that will only make them rebel against it, but you can weave it in casually.Â
For example, if you pass a tall building while you’re in town, you could wonder out loud how they managed to calculate how big it would need to be. Then, turn to your teen and ask what they think – simple! Or as simple as things can be when raising a teenager!
If your teenager hates math, change their mind with tips and tricks like these. You can do it!
