When kids learn math, they begin with the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. As they build knowledge, they move on to concepts such as geometry, trigonometry, algebra, calculus and beyond. It’s crucial to give students an understanding of math early on. And because math is easy to gamify, they’ll likely develop a love for it as well. Here are some tips for getting kids excited about math.

Make it fun. Math is all about solving problems. This requires mastering skills such as grouping, classifying, counting, and recognizing numerals, shapes and patterns. Very young kids naturally gravitate toward these activities during playtime. Put colored blocks in front of toddlers and they will play for hours. As they get older, they’ll move on to more advanced concepts like solving puzzles.

Turn your house a math classroom. Let your kids help out with cooking, where they’ll learn how to measure ingredients. Show them how to set the kitchen timer to teach them about time. And that pizza? It’s the best way to teach fractions.

Incorporate movement. Count steps as you dance around the living room. Invent moves that encourage classifying and counting, or set up a game of hopscotch.

Take it on the road. Point out different shapes such as circles, squares and triangles in the landscape. Count cars on the highway and calculate miles traveled.

Apply it in the real world. Older kids want to know how math works beyond the textbooks. Show them how to pay for purchases and count change or let them figure out how long it takes to get from the house to the store when the car is going a certain speed.

Math Educational Resources : Page 2