Some people say that mathematics is difficult, that it is boring to learn, and even have a sense of disgust. However, whether a child likes, hates or fears mathematics is mostly caused in early childhood.
Although this statement has exaggerated elements, there is indeed a "mathematical sensitive period" when children are young. At this stage, if parents can guide them in place, children will be more likely to like abstract thinking of mathematics, thus cultivating logical reasoning ability.
What is mathematical thinking?
First of all, we should understand these three concepts: thinking, mathematics and mathematical thinking. Thinking is an advanced form in our cognitive process, and it is a process in which the human brain generalizes and indirectly reacts to objective things with the help of language, mainly including analysis, synthesis, abstraction, generalization, comparison and classification.
Mathematics is a science that studies quantitative relations and spatial forms, and it is an abstract symbolic science. Mathematics plays an irreplaceable role in the development of human history and social life, and it is also an indispensable basic tool for studying and studying modern science and technology.
So, what is mathematical thinking? Mathematical thinking is the ability to generalize and abstract a specific problem into a pure mathematical problem. Children's mathematics education is usually divided into three parts: number, quantity and form.
Numbers refer to children's ability to count and recognize numbers, their understanding of the concept of number conservation, etc., such as whether children can count correctly orally, whether they can realize that numbers exist objectively and will not change because of the size of objects, and whether they are proficient in the arrangement of numbers.
? Quantity refers to children's cognition of units such as quantity and how to master measurement methods.
Form refers to children's ability to understand, analyze and combine geometric figures.
? Establishing three mathematical concepts of number, quantity and shape for children from an early age can help children cultivate mathematical thinking and reduce more obstacles to solving mathematical problems.
When children learn mathematics, they must start with the concrete things they are familiar with in life and gradually start the abstract process of mathematics.
It can't be called mathematics just to solve specific problems. It is against the essential attribute of mathematics to teach abstract mathematical operations without starting from specific things and divorced from specific practice.
The study found that 2~7 years old is the sensitive period of children's mathematics, so parents should cherish this stage and cultivate their children's mathematical thinking from their daily life.
So, what should we do? I have compiled the following points for parents' reference.
Rational use of toys
Children's attention is more likely to be attracted by toys than boring math problems. In fact, the design of many toys itself is related to mathematics, such as Lego bricks. By assembling bricks, children can cultivate a sense of space and learn to count and compare the sizes of objects.
Even gadgets like sand and plasticine can help children establish concepts such as size and shape. Only by combining hands and brains can we exercise better. In the process of children's play, parents can consciously guide their children and establish early mathematical thinking for them through toys.
Integrate mathematics into life
Mathematics comes from life. Many things in daily life are closely related to mathematics. For example, we need math when we check out in the supermarket, and we also need math when we climb the stairs.
In the ordinary details of life, you can consciously exercise your child's mathematical ability, such as letting the child check the shopping list by himself, counting the hours when going up the stairs and so on.
Through these practical problems, children can not only appreciate the fun of mathematics, but also help them build confidence and exercise their mathematical ability.
Establish the cognition of mathematics.
Learning mathematics is not only to cope with homework and exams, but also a valuable subject. First of all, parents should establish a correct concept, and never take test scores as the only measure, but cultivate children's creative thinking.
Secondly, parents should make their children realize that learning mathematics is useful. For children who encounter obstacles in the learning process, parents should encourage them to protect their creative thinking and let them experience the fun of learning mathematics through some math games.
Learning mathematics is interesting, and those who master the mysteries of mathematics are wise. Under the coming trend of artificial intelligence era, talents with good mathematical ability will be more competitive. Scientific guidance can make children more interested in learning.