Easy Ways for Children to Learn Math

How to Practice Math Skills

Help with Shopping and Spending

One fun way to practice adding and subtracting with decimals is by making a shopping list that fits a budget. You can tell your mom or dad that you want to help the next tims he or she goes to the store. Make a grocery list and then bring a paper and pencil with you to the store. Write down the prices of each item on your list and add them up. This way, you won't be surprised when you get to the checkout counter and the cashier asks for the total amount.

Alternatively, ask your parent for an amount of money to buy food with. Then, at the store, you can add and subtract the items' prices until you have what you need within your limited budget. This method can teach you to save money and to do math in everyday situations. Sometimes the classroom can make math seem like an abstract idea with no practical use, but grocery shopping can show you math's real-world application.

Calculate the Tip

If you go out to eat with your friends or family, keep a pencil and paper beside you while you order. Write down the price of all the meals (don't forget drinks and appetizers). When the bill comes, sales tax will be added to the total, and then you will need to figure out how much money to leave for a tip. This is the perfect chance to practice decimals and percents.

People usually leave 15%-20% of the total bill amount for a tip. Once everyone at the table agrees on a percent, figure out that amount. Do this by taking the total and multiplying it by .15 for 15 percent, or .20 for 20 percent.

Practice

Here are some practice problems. For each one, find 15 percent of the total. This will be the tip.

1. $12.95

2. $35.10

3. $75.89

4. $20.25

5. $7.80

Answers

1. 1.94

2. 5.26

3. 11.38

4. 3.03

5. 1.17

Play Math Games

A simple Internet search will show you that there are numerous online math games for each grade level. You'll see various printable and computer-based options. Online games are usually scored automatically, so you'll get immediate feedback. Some games can be played with more than one person, so you can practice math with your friends or siblings.