We did poorly in an international study. Sad to say, there are countries that participation in an International Mathematics and Science Study (ITMSS) is 1995 showed that we had one of the lowest scores among the 41 participating countries. The selected sample of 12,000 students from 387 elementary and secondary (Grade 6 and yr. high school) showed that we scored a grade lower in math and much lower in science. Analyzed further, the students were poor at the higher level of thinking skills. They could not go beyond simple recall or memory of concepts.
What is alarming is that we are entering the 2l century, and if we are base our preparedness for this highly technological age on our scores in science and math, we are in deep trouble. According to the study, our teachers are not good at math and science. The test use of English as a medium may have been a cause of the low scores as well.
Learning is a developmental process. We start from simple activities awl exercises and move on to the more complex, abstract thinking. The first 6 years of life is crucial to this learning curve. Science and math can be interesting subjects, if these are introduced early in life. Enjoyable activities using numbers, measurement, probability even geometry plus a curiosity for the environment — be it the air, particles in our food, the water we play with — all make the child conscious of the elements that make up math and science.
April — warm breezes, humid days, season of fruits and beach time Weekends can be planned for family outings which can be transformed into learning experiences as well. When you ride the car or jeep, name or count cars — by color, by their make, and later, as your child moves on to grade school, add the numbers in the car plates.
Babies can experience outdoor water fun, feeling water, using cups and a tabo to pour and see how much water a pail can hold. Later in life, they will be measuring and counting, skills they learned in their first tub bath.
Talk about the texture of different leaves, the bark of the tree, the heaviness or lightness, the sounds they produce when crumpled or pounded and the smell. For kids like to touch, taste, and smell. Hopefully, these will spark their interest in reading more about these new experiences.
Whoever thought of the Count in Sesame Street was quite clever. Count counts. He counts cookies and anything. He is dressed up like Count Dracula actually and whenever he counts he laughs. The psychology of adding laughter to your activity makes it a happier experience for both child and adult. Make counting an adventure. For example, hide the items under a towel. Let them feel the covered item and guess what it is. Is it a pencil, a spoon, a toy? Flip the towel open and count the number of pencils or spoons or toys. The element of surprise, followed by giggles and laughter, will leave a lasting impression that counting can be fun.
It might not be healthy to do this in a polluted city. Look for parks and there are a number you can go to. Along with your kids, observe your surroundings. Run and then feel your heartbeat. Count. Talk about the heart. Allow your child to ask questions —Why do I perspire? Why is it so hot now? Why are the leaves on the ground a different color?