Using Math Skills from Enrichment Classes in the Real World

Even though we use math all the time, for many students mathematical concepts are tied to taking tests more than solving problems in the real world. Being able to apply knowledge is an important way to make that knowledge “stick.” If your child understands how mathematical concepts and operations apply outside the classroom, it makes learning in the classroom more rewarding.

Of course, tests are still important because high scores can open up opportunities for students to advance and attend elite schools. When students understand how and why math is used in the real world, they are able to gain a deeper appreciation of math. This can lead to higher test scores because the concepts are more thoroughly understood. Here are a few ways to encourage your child to apply their math knowledge from enrichment classes to real world situations.

Take Their Math Skills Grocery Shopping

From multiplication to estimation and calculating percentages, you probably use math without even thinking about it when you go shopping. If your child is taking enrichment classes, they may be presented with real world problems on paper and you can help reinforce their lessons in the grocery store.

Here are a couple of ideas for your child to tackle while you shop:

• Provide a list of items. Ask them to figure out the total cost after taxes and discounts are included.
• Use fruits and vegetables. Ask them to weigh various items that are priced by weight and calculate how much each item will cost.

Math Enrichment Programs and Kitchen Skills

Another way to bolster the skills your child will learn in math enrichment programs is to notice how they apply to baking and cooking. Here are some tips for doing just that:

• Provide a recipe designed to serve four people. Ask your child to apply their knowledge of fractions to figure out how to adjust the recipe to make sure the proportions and ratios of ingredients are maintained for three people or six, depending on how many people are eating.
• Find a recipe from England. Because recipes from England tend to be in metric, your child will have to do some conversion to get the recipe right. For example, the conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit can be done with this formula:  T(°F) = T(°C) × 9/5 + 32. This provides the opportunity for your child to see a real result from their algebra lessons.

Using Math for Money

For elementary school or junior high students, math may apply to things like how they spend their allowance, or how long it will take for them to save up for an item they wish to purchase. Students can also apply their math skills to creating a budget for someone based on a given salary or hourly wage to demonstrate how math is used for financial planning.

When your child learns about probability, these concepts can be applied to calculating strategies for playing certain games. Seeing real world situations in which probability reveals useful information and informs decisions can help your child better retain their math skills and ultimately perform better on tests.

Are you looking for math enrichment programs for elementary school students? Check out the Math & English Programs at ASC A+! Questions? Contact us by filling out the form below.

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