Help Teach Teens the Importance of Math

It’s possible that a lot of grownups here would agree that math wasn’t their favorite subject back in school.

A sizable percentage of adults might also concede that mathematical literacy is crucial for their professional and personal success and the success of their children in the workforce of the future.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be 24% more jobs in 2014 that require science, engineering, or technical education than there were in 2004.

Based on these numbers, it is clear that today’s middle school and high school students need a solid math foundation to succeed in the modern economy.

Teens need to develop strong math abilities to succeed in the future, so it’s important to spend time with them today to make math relevant.

How can adults help their teens find math activities that are both fun and useful?

Here are some suggestions for parents who want to pique their children’s interest in mathematics and show them that it has real-world applications in ways that are both entertaining and empowering.

Don’t Just Say It, Do It

A great way to influence others is to set a good example.

Teens may be more receptive to learning mathematics if they can see its relevance in real-world contexts outside of the classroom.

Do you have dinner plans for tonight?

If you are double-checking a recipe, have your adolescent help you measure the ingredients and ask questions about the measurements.

Have some bills to pay?

Get them to do the arithmetic for you to figure out your finances.

Get set to buy your teen his or her first car!

Discuss your budget with them, including your monthly gas and maintenance bills.

Use the TV

Show that mathematics can be fun and engaging by referencing popular culture.

The CBS television series “NUMB3RS” used mathematics to solve murders in every episode that was aired on Friday nights years ago.

NUMB3RS is available to watch on many streaming services.

Watch with your teens, to get them interested in different applications of math.

Take a Trip

Popular tourist spots often have educational features that are meant to help young minds grow and develop.

Visit science and math exhibits while on vacation or just sight-seeing in your local town to demonstrate the relevance of arithmetic to your teen’s interests and hobbies.

When traveling, have your teen plan out the day’s activities, determine the most efficient means of transportation between destinations, or compare local merchant prices.

Test the “Truth”

Beyond the immediate need to know how to balance a checkbook, the analytical and problem-solving abilities learned in math classes will serve students well in all aspects of their lives.

Young people can learn to question authoritative claims by learning to critically examine data presented in the media and online.

Read the newspaper or check out some online news sites with your teen and have a conversation about something you both find interesting.

In a debate, you may ask your opponent to back up their claims with their own numbers or to verify the validity of your charts and graphs.

Take More Math Classes Than Required

Planning for a teen’s math education early on can have a positive effect on their future academic and professional prospects.

Parents should prepare their kids for the real world by giving them a solid foundation in mathematics, regardless of their chosen field of study.

Like English and reading, math is a subject that builds on itself, with later lessons building on those from earlier ones.

All the way from seventh grade until high school graduation, students should take some sort of math course.

Teens should be encouraged to take rigorous math classes each year, above and beyond what is required by their school.

Parents can increase their teen children’s chances of future success in both their personal and professional lives by encouraging them to learn and use math.