Ways To Teach Math Concepts To Children
Here comes the global economy. Unfortunately this brave poses a serious and formidable challenge to the United States. The problem is that our children are just not showing much interest or skills in the areas of math, engineering, science, or technology. As the workers of the baby boomer generation start to retire, we not only need to fill these jobs, but prepare our young people to compete for the global jobs of the future. Could the media of the math comic book be part of the solution to the problem?
This global economy in which we find ourselves in is based on science and math and technology. Labor statistics tell us that growth in these areas will increase 70% faster than those of other areas. That’s a huge jump. It’s nothing short of tragic that our kids are not showing the interest required in these areas. How are we as a nation going to compete if they don’t?
As we enter this brave new age, we need brand new media tools. Not just the internet, but other ways to teach mathematics and science to our children. Kids need to be shown that math can be very practical to the hobbies and interests that they have at such a young age. For example, mathematics is very important in calculating the statistics of their favorite sports hero. Mathematics principles are also at heart in the world of music. If our kids learn that math is not only practical, but very fun, they will be more likely to choose a career in it in when they get older.
How about comic strips? Could this be considered to be a “new media” tool? Perhaps in some ways. While it’s true that comics have been around for years and years, they have mostly been used to entertain, not educate. We’ve all read a comic about a superhero, or a talking duck, or young romance. How many times have we read a comic that taught us math? Since kids love to read comics, if we can use this format to educate them science and math, we will all win. They will be entertained and educated, and we will help set our children on a course that is wonderful for the nation’s future.