Mathing Matters: Get a Jump on math for 2013

With tons of holiday get-togethers, a new year on the horizon—and yes, your child's report card in the mail—there's a lot to ponder around December and January. Here's your math-friendly guide to navigating winter break. 

At Mathnasium, we believe that it's equally important to "math" with your kids just like you read to them. "Mathing" with your kids will keep their skills sharp and foster an understanding of how math enhances their everyday lives. Now that your kids have a small break from the rigors of school, take some time between holiday celebrations for some fun, math-friendly activities.

• Games, games, games! When it's too cold or snowy to play outside, it's time for some indoor fun. Plan a game night with family and friends (or play one on one with your child) and bring out some math games like Uno, Chess, Checkers, or Mancala. Stumped for ideas? Give me a call or stop by our center to see which games keep our mathletes engaged and excited about math.

• Christmas trees, gift boxes, ornaments... the holiday season offers a lot of opportunities to talk to your child about shapes. A nice game of "I Spy" using shapes (try to include less common shapes when possible) can keep your kids amused during car rides. Also, play around with shapes and geometry by making paper snowflakes—throw in some glue and glitter for a little extra flair.

• Making a few dishes for a party or holiday potluck? Or are you simply in the mood for some warm treats on a cold day? From working with volume and units of measure to explaining ratio and proportion by adjusting recipes to feed more or fewer people, cooking or baking with your kids offers many perspectives on how math is used in the real world.

As 2013 draws closer, it's time to start looking ahead. The New Year is an optimal time for a fresh start. Whether your child's math grade is awesome, average, or abysmal, create a learning strategy to get the most out of the last half of the school year—before crunch time and finals come around.

• Your child's report card grade doesn't show the full picture. Schedule a meeting with your child's math teacher to get a more well-rounded, qualitative perspective on your child's behavior and overall performance in math class.

• Is your child floundering in math class? Or is he in need of a challenge? Both are valid reasons to seek supplemental help.

• Make some resolutions. As the holiday hubbub dies down, sit down with your child and set some goals for math and other classes as well as a strategy for accomplishing them. Remember: cramming doesn't work, so kick those bad study habits to the curb and replace them with good ones. Be encouraging, reassuring, and attentive. Make it clear that while you don't expect overnight improvements, you do expect them to do their best.

Dan Gehlbach is the owner and center director of Mathnasium – The Math Learning Center, located in West Des Moines and within the Waukee School District. Dan lives with his wife and 2 daughters in Urbandale. Year round, the center helps kids get caught up, keep up and get ahead while they develop confidence and a love for math. For more information call 440-MATH or consult the web site at www.mathnasium.com/westdesmoines.