‘When am I going to use this in real world?’

As teachers and parents, we often get asked this question by our children - most pertinently when it comes to mathematics. When we pull the veil off this question, we can see that mathematics, more than any other subject, is seen as the most difficult subject for many children. Students expect it to be difficult, and therefore it is difficult. Instilling a negative mindset from the starting line makes it easier for them to throw in the towel (and a tantrum) once they begin.

Within mathematics, there is very little room for error in the answer. This can quickly lead to frustration in children who feel like they ‘just don’t get it’. It is a cumulative subject, so setting a good foundation for your children ensures that they are able to understand the concepts that follow on. Without these precursory abilities, your children will find it difficult to grasp topics that advance beyond that. At St John Vianney’s, we strive to ensure that mathematics is built from the ground up, and wish to promote this sentiment at home and outside the school yard.

              Mathematics is integral to a child’s development. It not only teaches them to become effective problem solvers, but also allows for them to reflect on their mistakes and therefore become critical thinkers. Maths produces skills not taught in many other areas. The development of spatial reasoning allows our children to process abstract information, understanding the world around them in a way that is not confined to the physical.

              While extending our knowledge on the importance of mathematics, this explanation may be a bit too wordy for our children, so let’s get back to the question at hand. Maths helps us make sure our tree houses are built properly so they don’t fall down. Maths helps us know how many freddo frogs we can buy with the money in our piggy banks. Maths helps us know how long to make the footy field, and how high the goal posts. Maths helps us know how high we need to kick and with what angle to score through those said goal posts. Maths makes up the games on our phones, the way our ovens bake our patty cakes, the way our books are printed and bound, the way our cars are built. Maths can be found all around us. From the atoms in our bodies, to atoms in the stars. 

And in regards to the real world, you’re in it now!

 This is one of my favourite TED talks from Eddie Woo –                                       How Maths is our real 6^th Sense!

Please enjoy.

 Blessings to you and your family.

Jo Reed