“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure.”     -Colin Powell

Building conceptual understanding for math can be done through almost anything. I’ve witnessed the most powerful understanding of fractions by cooking with my children. When we double or half the recipe it develops fractional understanding at the middle school level.

Simply dump the change in your pocket or wallet and see how fast your children can count how much money you had in all. If you did this every day, they would have an amazing amount of experience counting change. (Their second grade teacher will appreciate your efforts in this area since that is one of the most challenging concepts they teach.)

To develop a sense of time, hang analog clocks around the house and ask questions like, What time is it? How many more minutes till bedtime? How many more hours till dinner? What time will we need to leave if we have to be there at 7am? After you ask the question, really listen to how they respond and then ask them,

“How did you know that?”

“Tell me what your brain did.”

“Could you teach me how to do that?”

Many parents have asked me about my Hmmm-Home Meaningful Math Management. Hmmm is modeled after the Meaningful Math Management System that was extremely effective with my students.  This is a system used to cultivate math skills, life skills, and personal accountability in the home. We began using it in our home three years ago and have elevated our children’s level of economic understanding. When one of our children wants something, then we help them determine a way to earn it. Whatever they receive means so much more when we don’t just give it to them.

I’ve posted a slideshow explanation of the system and tools to assist parents in implementing Hmmm! in their home. To continue on my mission to help families, too, I’ve also added a lot of activities, games, and workmats to the parent section of the FREE RESOURCES page of my website. I’d love to know what happens when you begin to use these ideas in your home!

“When you discipline yourself to do what is hard, you gain access to a realm of results that are denied everyone else. The willingness to do what is difficult is like having a key to a special private treasure room.”     -Steve Pavlina