Reading and math provide the basic foundation of all academic learning. Students who can excel in either or both of these two subjects will more often than not achieve high standards in other subjects too. Reading develops the imaginative aspect of the brain while math looks after the logical side. Strange as it may sound the two are deeply interlinked. Reading can greatly enhance the process of mathematical learning and thus help in developing the analytical skills of the brain.
Reading skills can help to improve mathematics achievement by providing the comprehension ease of text. Only by understanding text can one fully comprehend its essence. If the student is unable to read or struggles to do so the energy that was to be invested in understanding the concept will be lost in simply trying to read it. Therefore, it is essential to build a strong reading foundation. The target should be to achieve the ability to read smoothly and effortlessly.
Mathematics involves solving of a problem, which has a logical flow to it. Thus, a simple two plus two will always result in a four. This obvious and logical answer remains unchanged no matter what one is adding. To solve the mathematical problem it is essential to first understand the given statements. In the example stated above one must comprehend what “two” means along with what is meant by “plus”. If one is weak in reading then surely the comprehension of the mathematical problem will also be weak which will result in a frequent hit and miss case.
There are certain rough rules to keep in mind while reading mathematical text. To begin with, one must understand that since math is a logically derived concept it is essential to read it slowly all the while completely comprehending the meaning of each word. Here, unlike literature related text, words cannot be skipped at all. The entire meaning of mathematical text can change if even a single word is over looked. At the same time it is essential to comprehend each sentence before proceeding to the next one. Math is a series of logical deductions, therefore it is necessary to follow the chronological order of the problem in order to reach the solution. Diagrams also play an important role in mathematics and should be read extensively. It is essential to read and re-read mathematical text in order to completely comprehend it as well as ingrain it in the mind.
The goal of synthesizing reading and mathematics to attain mathematical genius stems from a few important steps. To begin with, it is of absolute importance that the student is able to comprehend the ‘given’ parts of the mathematical text. Secondly, reading will shed light on the ultimate goal of the technical mathematical text, which will become clear by repeated reading combined with practice. Reading and referring to a couple of math books over and above the syllabus provides the necessary material for comparative study. Such comparisons help understand the different solving approaches to the same problem and thus open new avenues to the mind.
Reading and mathematics are not only two important aspects of learning but also are inter- linked. The next step is to find programs that inspire students to achieve excellence in both these fields. Since the academic onus lies with the school in the case of public schooled child, it is the parent of the homeschooled student that needs to take great care in selecting a program that not only builds strong foundations in terms of reading and mathematics but also exploits the relation between the two.
Various homeschooling curricula for kindergarten through high school stress both reading and mathematical abilities greatly. Providing a strong reading background will usually result in a strong mathematical foundation. Reading allows the freedom to go through several textual as well as fictional books that have immense knowledge. A good reader will often seek textual explanations in order to solve problems. Reading about methods and steps of mathematical bent will help increase the power to understand them better. Reading how the answer to a mathematical problem is derived logically and comprehending the different aspects of the solution will result in complete clarity of both the math problem as well as its solution thus result in mathematical genius.
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