Bring the Brain Back from Vacation with Fun Math Games

Summer vacation is certainly all about fun and games, but not likely in math.

If you stopped using your biceps for 2 months, what would happen? They'd start to look like your granny's butt. Ever wondered what happens to your child's brain during the same time span?

Let's face it. During 2 month's summer vacation, kids don't get much of a mental workout. That may not be all bad, as a change of pace is welcome in all age groups. The problem arises when you toss your kids back into school after 2 months of TV, the beach and sleeping in ... and expect them to pick up right where they left off.

Many wise parents help their children bridge this transition time with stimulating board games and tricky puzzles, both excellent ideas for a good overall mental workout. When it comes to math, however, you need very specific stimuli.

You want to see your kids face light up in wonder? Teach them a few vedic math shortcuts. I know when I was growing up, math was only fun once I had it figured out. Up until then it was pure frustration. My dad would take pity on me and teach me a few tricks. Now I know he had never heard of Vedic Math, but still Dad knew some shortcuts that made math fun, like a game. I just lapped it up! It seemed like magic ... and I knew something the other kids didn't!

If there is one thing I'd recommend to parents starting this new school year - it is get some fun math games for your kids. You could try some of the previous ideas, or you might find it easier to get something like Fun with Figures. But whatever you do - do something!

Reddi