Keeping Kids Interested in Math?

bcrowell asks: "As a geek, I always assumed my interest in math and science would just naturally rub off on my kids, and sure enough, my older daughter kept insisting that she wanted to be a physics teacher like me when she grew up. Now, starting first grade, she volunteers that math is 'ok,' but not as much fun as reading, and she no longer wants to be a physics teacher. Her math work at school apparently consists of 'addition packets.' What good stuff can I do to help her perceive math as fun and creative? Generations past had puzzles by Sam Lloyd. I learned a lot of science from science fiction books, but my old favorites are getting dated, and my daughter also rejects them because they have male protagonists -- she prefers Nancy Drew, although she'll read my Fantastic Four comics if Sue has a big enough part. What other things have Slashdotters found to do with their kids? Growing crystals? Baking together as a way to sneak in fractions?"

Comments

I see the problem

[eclectric]

You actually think math is fun. Luckily, your daughter knows better. Don't try share your delusion with her. :)

No, no no.

[Unknown Poltroon]

DOnt let hre read what she wants and find her own interests. Force her to learn math despite the fact that she hates it. Eventually, she will grow up highly intellegnt and very angry, and take over the world!!

Kids and Math....a Tale

[superid]

On cartrips with my family, if my wife and I start discussing something sometimes one of my kids will interject with question which leads to some interesting conversations. One night we were talking about state lotteries which led to statistics and I was trying to explain to my kindergartner the basic concept of "chance" from a pool of people and what happens when there are a lot of people involved:

"Mrs. Souza is going to pick either you or Brenny and give you this new pencil....do you think you might get it?"
"um.....yes"
"Ok, now suppose She is going to pick only one person from the whole class, do you think you might get the pencil?"
"um...maybe"
"Ok, now suppose she is going to pick only one person from the whole school, do you think you might still get the pencil?"
"um...maybe...but...."
"but what?"
"whats so special about that pencil?"

Re:Algorithm Driven Allowance

[Bald Wookie]

Just be careful when you teach them factorials...

Sue

[Anonymous Coward]

she prefers Nancy Drew, although she'll read my Fantastic Four comics if Sue has a big enough part.

I always thought Sue had plenty big parts.

<ducks>