Should Class 1 Students Practise Maths Regularly? Know Here!

Mathematics is not restricted to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. There is much more to it. Mathematics is applicable in our daily lives. To understand the basic concepts in maths, it is essential to contemplate real-life examples. In primary classes such as the 1st standard, maths is supposed to be taught to the students in a fun and creative manner rather than kickstarting the rules of arithmetic. Understanding this subject should never become a burden for the students because it is during the tender years that the overall development of the mind takes place. Thus, the child will be able to grasp the core idea behind concepts efficiently if creative methods of studying are adopted. The chapters in Class 1 Maths NCERT Books are simple because students learn about the most basic concepts of mathematics such as counting numbers, understanding simple 3d shapes and objects, basic calculations based on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This article will clear the doubts of most parents. If you think Class 1 students need to practice maths regularly, read the whole article to find out! It is essential to consider the following:

• Maths should be fun and easy for a first-grader. There is no point in burdening the child with complex mathematics right from the beginning because it is bound to create a perception that maths is complex and hard to tackle. Instead, a learning strategy should be adopted which focuses on developing the mental capacity and focus of the students using the surroundings. For example, you should involve the child in household chores such as counting the fruits in the kitchen, trying to count the number of coins in the money bank, etc or you can purchase math workbooks for 1st grade that include an easy-to-reference answer key at the back of the workbook. These were just references to make you understand that for a first grader to understand maths, it is essential to make the child realize that maths is everywhere around us and is easy to understand too.
• The Syllabus should be followed while employing various methods of learning to determine the areas that demand special attention and time. It is essential to use any method of learning in correspondence to the syllabus to prevent overburdening the child and make the whole process of learning wholesome and intricate. Refer to the Class 1 NCERT Textbook to get a fair idea about the concepts that should be introduced to the first graders. Maths in Class 1 is usually simple and can be easily understood by the youngest of minds. 
• Practice using creative methods is required because the first graders should engage in creative methods of learning. Nowadays, there are more than enough ways to explain the concepts of mathematics to a child. Technology will play a crucial role in enhancing the basic understanding of children. They must be involved in board games, puzzles and exposed to educational videos, animations related to maths. There are loads of resources available online. But, it should be noted that learning maths should never become a burden for the child. 
• Solving worksheets every alternate day will help in the revision of the new topics that are introduced to the children. It is not necessary to prepare worksheets every day or on alternate days. Every child is different and the level of understanding must be kept in mind while preparing the worksheets. Moreover, an understanding of the curriculum is also important because it will enhance the quality of the worksheets.
• There is no best way to teach mathematics to first graders. A mix and match of techniques and approaches are necessary to figure out the best possible manner in which any topic should be introduced to students. These approaches can be less or more effective depending upon the individual capacity of students. Maths usually involves problem-solving and it is evident that solving a given problem with relative ease and comfort requires strong analytical thinking capacity. The development of a student’s mental capacity should be prioritized instead of rote learning. Creating unnecessary burdens on the first graders is bound to develop a perception in their minds that maths is complex and to avoid it in every sphere of life.
• Evaluation of the Child’s progress is extremely crucial as it will provide information that will be useful in considering rectifications to be made in the strategy. It is important to take small steps for ensuring gradual progress. First graders should be tackled calmly and patiently because children tend to lose focus in the blink of an eye. Proper targets must be set and efforts should be made to achieve them within the desired time. In addition, the focus should primarily be on the quality of work rather than the quantity of work to be done at a time.

By now, you would’ve easily understood the importance of mathematics in our daily lives but it is equally important to tackle the subject with interest and dedication. The use of credible resources can work wonderfully in the favour of grade 1 students. Every parent wants to ensure and impart quality education to their child. But it is necessary to keep in mind the abilities of the child before introducing any new mathematical concept. 

Various Games and Puzzles can be used to practice the standard concepts in mathematics, in a fun and creative way. Learning becomes easy and efficient if done through the proper medium of instruction. Every child will respond differently when they are taught something new but the top priority should be seamless learning and avoiding the creation of any sort of negative perception regarding mathematics. The love and keen interest in numbers, solving problems, puzzles can be developed easily in the primary classes and it is bound to be advantageous as the child is promoted to successive higher classes. Don’t try to push the little ones too hard. If they are not interested, just let it be and try after some time. The basic idea is to develop the interest rather than create fear towards mathematics. Even though mathematics requires practice and hard work, the clarity of concepts should be the center of attention in primary classes, especially Class 1. Practice does not necessarily mean writing and cramming information, it should be done creatively for the benefit of the children in grade 1.