December 1st, 2021
David Peachment
How to Improve Math Scores for Kids
Math is often a tricky subject for a lot of kids and individuals. Formulas, equations, and so many countless concepts can be a lot to remember and figure out. Algebra, geometry, calculus, and any other math-based field of study can be pretty challenging especially compared to other subjects in school. With certain subjects such as history or science, a large portion of it is memorization of key facts, whereas, in Math, application is the name of the game. You can memorize an equation, but knowing it and properly using it to find a solution to a math problem can be two very different things. So just how can kids get help with their math? They can do it through an unlikely source: coding.
In this blog post, I wanted to share a few ways that computer coding, in particular, can improve kids’ math abilities. Computer programming is accessible to children of all ages, and everyone can benefit from its features.
Math is Essential to Coding
The first thing I want to talk about is how essential math is to coding. Without math, computer coding is frankly impossible to do. Math and math equations are baked so deeply into coding that not being able to perform even basic math means not having a working program and code. To make certain functions work in a program requires adding and multiplying numbers together, testing different values, collecting data, and so much more. In order to be able to succeed, knowledge of math is essential.
Math Becomes More Fun
The second part I want to discuss is how math simply becomes more fun through computer programming! Sitting down at a sheet of paper and writing equations and formulas can get quite boring. But doing similar equations and formulas to produce a piece of art makes it so much more fun! For example, say a kid needs to do a word problem where somebody buys too much mayonnaise (those word problems always seem to be some pretty ridiculous scenarios). Instead of just finding the solution on paper, a kid could program a game where they have to collect the mayonnaise. They could make it goofy and fun. And if they have artistic ability, they could even draw animations for it! Coding can breathe life into math and make it so much more exciting to kids!
Problem Solving Skills
The final piece of this puzzle I want to talk about is the problem-solving skills that kids can gain from coding. In math, reaching a solution often involves a lot of trial and error. The student needs to figure out the exact problem, test different hypotheses, and try different methods to come to the solution. The same situation happens in coding. Kids need to figure out what exactly they need to code, how to go about doing it, and fix any issues and bugs along the way. During this whole process, they will develop their problem-solving skills. They’ll think critically about how to structure the problem and how to arrive at a solution. Finally, they’ll hone their skills as they go through trial and error to create the perfect computer program!
It’s never too late to get your kid started on computer programing and coding! They can get so many benefits from it that we discuss many times in this blog and on our other blog posts. For example, click HERE to read our blog post about how coding helped me in school in general! But if you also aren’t sure where to start with coding, we offer a FREE coding class for your child to get them started and see if they’re interested in coding. Click HERE to learn more! However you go about it, I hope you can let your kid give coding a try. You never know, it just might improve their math scores, boost their schooling, and they’ll probably have a ton of fun in the process!
Until next time,
David Peachment