Simplification of fractions can be considered one of the most challenging concepts for children, when it comes to mathematics. In general when it comes to fractions you get lost if it is as simple as addition, subtraction, multiplication or division. The pupils get annoyed when they can not comprehend how to deal with them. Such confusion may lead to lack of confidence in doing maths and even developing a way oforary dislike of maths. If your child has a problem with fractions, it’s not only them – lots of children fail to grasp this concept.
The problem under investigation concerns the Learning Curve – Fraction Struggles.
This is because mastery of fraction makes unknown difficulty to make impact on overall performance of a student in Mathematics. They end up being reluctant to answer questions in class or foreign to seek assistance as they may be made monkeys of. This struggle can lead to poor grades, and consequently negative feelings towards school. If left unresolved at an early age, these gaps in those children’s perspectives on math translate into larger problems with the material as the kids advance to more complex concepts. The more they fail for any reason they may be, the more they are behind and the harder it may become to get caught up which in turn continues the cycle of Math frustration and anxiety.
Successful Management Strategies of Fractions
To assist your child to overcome such challenges with fractions consider the following strategies. The following techniques may enhance learning of fractions which makes the process easier and better.
1. Visual Aids
Teaching about fractions can be made easier by the use of visual materials. Instead of words, try to explain the concept of fractions using emblems such as pie charts, fraction bars or numbers on the number line. The graphics simply assist the learner understand the big picture in relation to the individual entities that make it up.
2. Hands-On Activities
Help your child practice fractions through use of practical assignment. For instance use foods such as pizza, or cakes or cookies, to explain or teach fractions. The author explains using the example of a pizza sliced into 8 parts and if one takes 3 slices it can represent 3/8 of the pizza. Such an approach to learning makes it fun and releasable.
3. Relatable Examples
Choose examples that would be interesting to the child and are related to child’s life. Coaches can with them on examples if they are to do with some of their favorite players and sports. For instance, if a player hit 3 out of 5 free throws, you can be able to tell the readers he was accurate in 3/5 of the tries. Such related association makes the concept of fractions more relevant in real life.
4. Interactive Games
Make sure the games you use involve fractions. Math is not an exception and there are many online resources and apps created for the purpose of making math fun. Cool Math Games and Prodigy Math are examples of websites with games that are fun for children and address fraction concept at the same time.
5. Break It Down
Help your child to divide problems into parts by teaching them not to rush into the solutions. For instance, when adding fractions tell them that they need to look for a common denominator first. The complexity of the process can however be reduced to make it easier. This way they find it easier understanding the lessons, especially when they apply the step-by-step methods in solving problems.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice
To get acquainted with fractions one has to practice regularly. Give your child worksheets or websites with different fractions questions i.e. word problems. The key to achieving daily practice is to allocate a particular time of the week for independent practice. In the long run this will help them feel more at ease with fractions as they administer the test.
7. Use Technology
Help your child grasp the concept of fractions with educational applications and instructional videos from the world wide web. For example Khan Academy provides tutorials free of charge explaining the basics of fractions hence providing students with easy information should they require it.
8. Encourage Questions
Establish a platform where the child will feel okay to ask any questions that he or she may have. Learn to carry them along and make them express their confusion, look for ways to solve issues together. Such an open communication may assist them to feel more secure about their learning.
9. Seek Extra Help
Noticing that your child is learning impaired, you should contact someone for help if your child is still struggling. With help of a tutor, or an after school program, children can receive specific attention and help. This focused assistance means that it can go along way to help them comprehend fractions a lot better.
10. Celebrate Small Wins
Last but not the least, always ensure you encourage them irrespective of the improvement made regardless the size in question. When your child first comprehends a new idea or when he or she has been trying to solve a complex fraction and finally gives it the correct solution, congratulate him or her. This can encourage them to continue with the attempts and gain the much needed confidence.
Conclusion:
It is therefore important that you assist your child learn this by providing him or her with the necessary support and methods that will enable him or her feed this particular skill. For one, you can involve a lot of demonstrations, charts, dials, toys, and models and use samples, models, simulations that students can interact with during the fractions teaching and learning sessions. Just a reminder that this took time and patience to learn as well as regular practice. It will also build up your child’s confidence in mathematics as he or she tackles the subject with more ease as they practice on fractions.