Making Math Lessons Efficient and Enjoyable: Homeschooling and Beyond

Abstract

Mathematics is a fundamental element of contemporary education. It offers a set of tools required for many careers, and opens up a new thinking "dimension," providing abilities and skills for success.

Every child can succeed in mathematics, come to love it, and use it with confidence and fluency. Important components of success are an early start and an interesting, solid and sound learning program.

Why is Math sometimes boring or uninteresting to the students? How does one make it fascinating and engaging? We will talk about different strategies and techniques of teaching mathematics, elements of a successful individual program, and boosting creativity and IQ. We will discuss which topics in Elementary-school math are particularly important, and how they can be presented. We will look at various learning games that help build skills and memorize necessary facts in the main math topics in a fun and interactive way.

I will touch on the strategies and approaches to creating a mathematics curriculum and learning activities for children of different personality types, including gifted children, and hyper/hypoactive children. In particular, we will discuss techniques that can help build up the child's attention span.

Questions after the talk are most welcome; I am also available for personal meetings or questions during the workshop. Also anyone should feel free to contact me by email: anna.v.shevyakova@gmail.com

Talk slides: PDF file here

Anna's Biography

Education:

• M.Sc. in Engineering Physics (Moscow State University and MEPhI, Moscow, Russia);
• M.Sc. in Neuropsychology (Queen's University at Kingston, ON, Canada).

Work and recent projects:

• Worked in an elementary school (Moscow, Russia) teaching introductory computer science.
• Moved to Canada with family in 2000.
• Took part in an international study of early reading and dyslexia in preschool children (Faculty of Education, Queen's University, Canada).
• Worked in Neuropsychology (during M.Sc. at Queen's University, Canada), studying motion coding in avian vision.
• For a long time, was interested in early development and child education, in particular, in Mathematics.
• Developed a number of Math education materials and problem books for various ages.
• Ran Math Circle groups and taught Math privately for about 15 years.
• Ran three big Math Game events in Saskatoon in the recent years.