When I was growing up, I should have known I would not be very successful with math. I was always exceptionally good with word problems, but failed most of the time with complicated straight math problems with only numbers and formulas. I always did well with basic math, but when it came to more advanced types of math, I barely got by. Those early days should have told me something, but I think that it might be good that I didn’t see it coming. I may have been even worse if I had thought there was no hope.
I don’t know if there is any type of truth behind this thought, but I have always thought that you are either a word person or a math person. Some are both, surely, but most that I know have a strong inclination one way or another, and their talents lie in the same direction. I can do word problems quickly and well, but my husband won’t even look at them. Instead, he can whiz through math problems that would have left my head spinning and throbbing for three days after the attempt. I say attempt because I probably would not have been able to finish it.
If a child is not doing well with word problems, that doesn’t mean they can’t go on to do well. They may be having problems with comprehension, and that is something that can be fixed with a little extra work. Though my theory about words versus math may be true, that does not mean children should think of themselves in that manner. Girls and boys should both be encouraged to do well in both, and though they may prefer one or the other, they can end up being good with both.
If you want to find word problems for your children, or even for yourself, you can find some online. These are helpful for those who are looking for improvement and may be struggling, but they are great for those who just want more practice. Summer is a time when children relax and play, but some word problems may help them keep their grades up if they are having problems, and can give them a better understanding of words and problems solving throughout the next year of school. Even though I mentioned word and math problems separately, most word type problems are about math. This means both skills are enhanced. You can’t go wrong there.
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