This activity will help your child to develop an understanding of patterns and variables. These concepts strengthen logical reasoning skills and are especially useful when it comes to solving algebra problems!1. Set aside time to work on enhancing your child? problem solving skills.
2. Have several coins in various denominations available.
3. Come up with a few coin-based questions such as: "I have three coins in my pocket that are worth twelve cents, what are they? (answer: 1 dime and 2 pennies)" or "I have 3 coins that are worth 25 cents, what are they? (answer: 2 dimes and 1 nickel)."
4. Have your child respond to your questions. You'll be surprised how quickly they get good at this!
5. After each answer, show your child the coins to see if he or she is correct.
6. Then move on to questions that have more than one answer. For example: "I have six coins that are worth thirty cents. What are they? (answer: 1 quarter and 5 pennies or 6 nickels)."
7. Now, have your child make up the questions, forcing him or her to change the logical reasoning pattern and putting your skills to the test!