Most of us find mathematics difficult or boring. We question why we even need to learn maths outside the classroom, and do we even need it in our daily lives. As much as we dread it, maths is actually a really fun subject to learn about!
Contrary to popular belief, maths is EVERYWHERE and always present in our daily lives. In fact, by learning maths, you’ll be able to make life much more fun and easier!
Don’t believe me? Here are a few reasons why learning mathematics outside the classroom is fun and exciting, and how you can fully enjoy it!
1. Keep Track Of Your Allowance
Having some money is always great. Being able to save your money to buy that awesome thing you want is even better. Keeping track of your allowance is a great way to do that, and it’s simple too.
For example, if you were thinking of getting a newly released video game or a new phone, you can start by keeping track of how much money you can save per week, and how long it’ll take you to save up to buy it. Plus, you can also start to do simple calculations about how much you spend per day, and if you could save on something or not.
Not only does this help you become better at maths and its application in your daily life, it instills a great habit in you that will make the future you, thank you for it.
2. Play Video Games
There’s a common belief that video games are somehow not educational, and a waste of time. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Video games help us learn and understand things in a way that wouldn’t be possible in a traditional classroom.
For example, Minecraft isn’t just about punching trees, building houses and slaying dragons. It’s so much more than that. Minecraft teaches you about inventory management, infrastructural analysis, basic logic through Redstone wiring, and so much more.
By playing games and learning the mechanics to your enjoyment, you can definitely learn maths outside the classroom. The best part is the whole learning journey would be full of fun!
3. Learn How To Bake
Another great way of learning maths outside the classroom and having the time of your life doing it, is by learning maths through the kitchen!
When it comes to cooking and baking, it is not just about eyeballing it (for the most part), there are a lot of calculations that come into making the perfect cake! You’ll be on your toes, thinking how many grams in an ounce, how many tablespoons adds up to a quarter cup, etc. There is quite a bit of math involved when it comes to making treats!
By learning maths through the kitchen, you’re able to start thinking on your toes when it comes to exact measurements. It might be tough at first, but once you’re done, you even have a cake and cookies to reward yourself with! Plus, it would give you a great opportunity to bond with mom and dad in the kitchen.
So the next time someone’s firing up the oven, don’t forget to offer them a hand. You’ll be learning math and making delicious treats. A win-win situation!
4. Share With Your Siblings
As our parents always say, sharing is caring. We’ve got to share with our siblings, especially if they are younger than us. It might not be fun splitting your food and belongings with siblings, but take it as a bonding and learning opportunity.
For example, let’s say you’ve just baked a cake like what we went through in tip #3. Now you’re going to have to share it with your siblings and your parents. What’s a better way to learn about pie charts and proportions than slicing a cake right up!
It doesn’t have to be a cake either, it can be anything that you’re willing to share. For example, if your siblings need to borrow some money and you’re trying to save up for something. You can factor in how much you can give them while not affecting your savings target. Once they can pay you back, if you’re good at calculating percentages and fractions, you can even charge them a small interest rate and teach them what it means.
By sharing with your siblings and being generous but keeping calculation, you’re able to further train your knowledge in maths and build a strong sense of numbers for the future.