“It is not knowledge, but the act of learning, not possession but the act of getting there, which grants the greatest enjoyment.” – Carl Friedrich Gauss
This quote encapsulates an incredibly important facet of maths learning that we, as teachers and parents, need to impart on our children. We need to ensure that learners see that mathematics is more than just numbers, sums, angles, or equations – it is a journey of discovery, persistence, and growth. The above quote by one of the greatest mathematicians of all time holds an important lesson, not just for children, but for parents as well: the true value of learning lies in the process, not just in getting the right answer.
Too often, children feel frustrated and give up quickly when faced with a difficult maths problem, believing that struggle means failure. But struggle is not a bad thing – it is something to embrace. Every challenge in maths is an opportunity to develop patience, resilience, and critical thinking. The joy of solving a tough problem comes not from immediately knowing the answer, but from working hard, making mistakes, and finally understanding. This is where real learning happens.
Parents play a crucial role in shaping how children view mathematics. Encouraging curiosity and effort, rather than just correct answers, helps build confidence and a love of learning. Instead of saying, “You’re either good at maths or you’re not,” remind children that perseverance is what makes them strong. Maths, like life, is about growth, and every challenge is a step forward. So enjoy the journey, because in the end, it is the effort that truly counts.
Parent problem of the week
Find the next two numbers in the sequence: *Be warned, this is a VERY tough one…
6, 24, 60, 120, 210, …, …
Solution to last week’s problem
A local pizzeria had a special on pizzas. They offered 2 large (16-inch) pizzas for the same price as 3 medium (14-inch) pizzas. Which one should a person go for to get the most pizza?
For this we need to calculate and compare the total area of 2 large 16-inch pizzas versus 3 medium 14-inch pizzas.
I’ll save you the calculations, but here are the answers:
- TWO large 16-inch pizzas = 402 inch2
- THREE medium 14-inch pizzas = 339 inch2
So, two large pizzas are a better value for money because they provide more pizza area than three medium pizzas.