Math for 8 Year Olds: Exercises and Drills

How Can I Make Math Drills Fun for My 8 Year Old?

If your 8 year old is struggling with math or reacting to it negatively, consider why this may be happening. How engaging are the math assignments your child brings home from school? Do they incorporate problem solving for real-life situations? If your child is capable of doing his or her assignments and is not intimidated by the work, he or she may simply be unengaged.

You can make math more fun for your 8 year old by incorporating games, as well as being actively involved, in his or her study. Also, remember that math exercises and drills don't have to last long, but they should occur frequently throughout the school week.

Exercises and Drills

Because a firm foundation in basic math is crucial for higher-level studies, second and third grade students typically are expected to memorize addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts for 0-12 and to be able to recall these facts quickly and accurately. Often, student performance at this level is measured through timed math tests.

One way to help your child build his or her speed is to use flashcards, but this review doesn't have to be a solo event. Take turns quizzing your child and allowing him or her to quiz you. This can give your child a break from the pressure of quick recall, while still having him or her interact with the material.

In addition to practicing with flashcards, you might use a deck of regular playing cards to help your 8 year old review basic math facts. Seat yourself opposite your child, and deal an equal number of cards face down in front of each of you. Then, flip a card from your pile at the same time your child flips a card from his or hers, and see who can add, subtract, multiply or divide the two numbers the quickest (base the operation used on what your child is currently studying in school). Whoever solves the problem first keeps the cards, and the person with the most cards at the end of the hand wins.

You also might restructure a game that your 8 year old already likes to incorporate math facts. For instance, if your child is studying multiplication, you could play math Jeopardy by giving him or her an answer, like 30, and having the child come up with a multiplication problem that equals it, like 3 x 10 or 5 x 6.