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An "Eye" for Math: Encouraging Visual Skills for Your Child's Math Success

By Dr. Lauren Bradway

According to Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner, children with logical-mathematical intelligence have well-developed visual skills. They complete arithmetic problems quickly in their head, easily develop computer skills and win at games that require a visual strategy like checkers and chess.

Gardner and other researchers strongly suggest that well-developed visual skills are a prerequisite for success in math. Even though your child may not be a "natural" when it comes to using inner vision, you can help her develop the ability using these suggestions.

Preschool through Kindergarten:

  • Take your child for a walk around the block. When you return, ask her to eyes close her eyes and recall details from your walk: What was the color of the bird we saw in our neighbor's birdbath? or Was the mail carrier wearing a hat?
  • Make a game of scribbling on blank paper, and then examining the results for hidden pictures. Take turns pointing out what you see in each other's creations.
  • Have a tea party with entirely imaginary food. In this way, you encourage your child to rely on her visual imagination. With plastic foods, a child is still relying on outer vision rather than developing an inner one.
  • Make it a family practice to share last night's dreams over breakfast.

First and Second Grade:

  • Treat your child to a visit to an art gallery. Allow plenty of time for her to study, compare and return to works of art she finds most appealing.
  • Before a trip, study a map of your state with your child. Ask her to close her eyes and visualize a mental map of how to get from your town to the one you'll be visiting.
  • Encourage your child to assemble model cars and planes from kits. By doing this, she will be mentally picturing the end result.
  • Read your child a story in a darkened room and ask her to picture the action. Help her by posing questions to stimulate visual imagery, such as: What is Cinderella wearing to the ball? and Tell me what her carriage looks like.

Third and Fourth Grade:

  • Provide a camera to encourage your child's interest in photography. Encourage her to picture in her "mind's eye" how the photograph will turn out.
  • Develop the power of inner vision through art classes of all types including pottery, painting and drawing.
  • To stimulate visual observation and organization, encourage a collection of stamps, coins or shells.
  • Whether or not your child is naturally adept in this area, you can encourage the development of visual skills by taking the lead in choosing games and activities that stimulate these abilities.

 

Dr. Lauren Bradway is the author of How to Maximize Your Child's Learning Ability (Square One Publishers, 2003). She consults online with parents regarding their child's learning style at www.helpingchildrengrow.com.