5 Tips for Teaching Your Child Decomposing Numbers

 

From budgeting to determining a proper tip amount, numbers are relevant to our everyday lives. Though we now have technology to perform essentially every mathematical function, you will want your child to have a personal comprehensive understanding of numbers. As in any other concept, numbers must be broken down (or decomposed), in order to be built up. Think of decomposing numbers as “pre-addition”. Composing and decomposing numbers is a fundamental skill that will render your child a deeper understanding of numbers, before he or she begins to perform any mathematical function. Follow these 5 steps to help your little one learn how to decompose numbers:

Define 'decomposition.'
While it's not exactly a Scripps National vocab word, the lengthy jargon may incite some intimidation. Put your children’s minds at ease by telling them 'decomposition' is just a fancy word for 'breaking down’ or breaking apart'. Let them know that all you will be doing is breaking one big number into groups of smaller numbers, or place values.

Address the "Why" question.
Be patient. We can all admit that “Why” questions can sometimes be a little annoying (especially when they turn into a seemingly endless succession of “Why’s”). However, your children have good reason to ask. If they are to perform a mathematical task, they should at least be aware of its function. Take the time to tell them how decomposing numbers will be useful to them. Young children, especially those that have mastered the single-digits, are usually very intrigued by the concept of bigger numbers or may already possess preliminary knowledge  of multi-digit numbers. Teaching them how to decompose is a great way to help your children conceptualize large numbers.

Establish Sub-groups
Now that you have properly defined the process of decomposing numbers and explained its utility, it’s time to get into the practical stuff. To begin, have your child practice determining place values. To begin, you should probably start with Tens and work your way up to the Thousands.

This will be the most difficult part, so tap into your creative side to help your child visualize the groupings as you describe them.  Draw pictures or use objects to depict the place values, then point out where each value is located in the multi-digit number. Supplement the depictions with writing out the expanded form of the number.

Reverse Demonstration
Studies show the best way to gauge your children’s comprehension is to have them explain the process of decomposing numbers back to you. This display of understanding does not necessarily have to be verbal. Give your child a multi-digit number to tackle, start with the Tens. For example, if you tell your child to decompose the number 20, they may draw two ice trays, each with ten squares. Then have them write out the expanded form of the number to accompany their drawing.

If the demonstrations seem a bit shaky, don’t get discouraged, simply revisit Step Three. Use the same method of depiction they’ve chosen and show them to correct way to decompose the given number.

Practice to Perfection
Now that your child has proven an understanding of numeric decomposition- Yay! Allow them to continue to practice in a way that is fun and challenging. Utilize online learning tools, such as this decomposing numbers game to help solidify their decomposing skills.

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Substituting video games for educational interactive games this summer

SUMMER ARRIVES

INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL GAMES TO THE RESCUE

Summer has once again arrived, schools are out for vacation and parents of young children are faced with the task of keeping their children busy and involved. It can be difficult to find activities that are both enjoyable and entertaining while also constructive, beneficial and safe. This can be particularly challenging for parents of toddlers and elementary school students who are constantly absorbing knowledge and at a formative time of learning. Parents might consider interactive educational games as a constructive way to keep their young children engaged, mentally active, entertained and learning.

There has been much commentary among parents and schools around certain benefits young people may get from interactive video games, such as motor skills, computer skills, memory, attention and reasoning,

Author Scott Steinberg cited to ABC News in 2011 a study from the Education Development Center and the U.S. Congress-supported Ready To Learn (RTL) Initiative, which found that educational programs that involve digital media (like video games) could improve early literacy skills when paired with strong parent and teacher involvement. “Young children, and 4- and 5-year-olds who participated showed increases in letter recognition, sounds association with letters, and understanding basic concepts about stories and print.” The key for this study was having high-quality educational titles, along with parents and teachers who were equally invested in the subject matter.”

The Stanford School of Medicine Interactive Learning Initiatives states “Generation Y is the first generation to grow up with constant exposure to digital media. Research shows these ‘digital natives’ learn far more in an interactive, collaborative environment. “

There have been great strides beyond just interactive video games to create interactive educational games specifically designed to improve basic learning skills, increase a knowledge base and improve success in school.

The wide acceptance and use of high-speed Internet access has made the benefits of online activity obvious, and these benefits extend to online interactive games.

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