Need support with making math fun for your kids in homeschool?
Math can be a daunting subject for many kids (and parents!), especially if numbers seem confusing or boring. But what if math could actually be fun? In today’s post, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Crystal, a dedicated math tutor who’s passionate about helping kids discover the joy of learning math—even if they don’t think they’re “math people.” Crystal’s personal journey from math anxiety to becoming a math enthusiast makes her uniquely equipped to help students conquer their fears and have fun with numbers.
Listen to “CHM162:Making Math Fun for Kids with Crystal Simon, Math Tutor” on Spreaker.
Watch the Podcast on YouTube
This week, Crystal and I had a lively conversation about making math fun for our kids.
Who is Crystal Simon? (Her Bio)
Crystal is a passionate mathematics tutor who has been sharing her love for the subject since she was sixteen. With a degree in mathematics and actuarial science, Crystal has dedicated herself to exploring alternative methods of teaching math to children, including Mortenson Math with base ten blocks and Gattegno with Cuisenaire rods. Interestingly, Crystal didn’t always love math; as a child, she avoided anything related to numbers, finding them difficult, confusing, and seemingly useless. This personal journey has given her a deep understanding of the struggles many students face. Crystal’s mission is to help others discover how cool and fun math can be.
Crystal’s Journey from Math Anxiety to Math Enthusiast
Crystal wasn’t always a fan of math. In fact, as a child, she avoided it altogether. Numbers seemed confusing and even useless at times. However, things began to change when she discovered new, engaging ways of learning math. Fast forward to today: Crystal now holds a degree in mathematics and actuarial science and has made it her mission to help kids who struggle with math.
Crystal started tutoring at the young age of sixteen, and her unique perspective helps her connect with students who find math challenging. She understands firsthand the frustrations that come with math anxiety and uses this experience to create a learning environment where math can be fun and accessible.
Alternative Math Methods: Mortenson Math and Gattegno
During our chat, Crystal shared her insights on some unique, hands-on methods for teaching math, such as Mortenson Math with base ten blocks and Gattegno with Cuisenaire rods. These approaches are far from the traditional textbook methods. They encourage kids to visualize math concepts in a way that’s engaging and fun, making math more of an exploration than a task. By using these tools, Crystal helps children who are overwhelmed by math to see it in a new, exciting way.
Tips for Homeschooling Parents: Making Math Fun
For homeschooling parents, Crystal offers some great advice. If math feels like a difficult subject to teach, don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to make it more enjoyable for your child. Crystal recommends incorporating hands-on learning tools like Cuisenaire rods or base ten blocks to help children visualize and interact with math concepts.
She also encourages parents to embrace math games and puzzles, which can transform math time into something kids look forward to. By shifting the focus away from “getting the right answer” and towards having fun while learning, parents can help their children develop a positive attitude toward math.
Success Stories: Turning Math Anxiety into Confidence
One of Crystal’s most rewarding experiences as a tutor was working with a student who came to her hating math. After using fun, alternative teaching methods and a lot of patience, Crystal helped this student shift from fear and frustration to confidence and enjoyment. Now, that student views math as a fun challenge rather than an impossible task. Stories like these are what keep Crystal passionate about her work.
How You Can Connect with Crystal
If you’re looking for a math tutor who understands the struggles of math anxiety and knows how to make learning enjoyable, Crystal is offering special discounts for my readers! You can connect with her directly through her website for more details:
👉 Connect with Crystal for tutoring: http://www.mathimagined.com and https://linktr.ee/mathimagined
- Crystal’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/math_imagined/
- Crystal’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mathimagined
Final thoughts about making math fun for kids
Math doesn’t have to be scary or boring. With the right approach and tools, it can become a subject that your kids enjoy and look forward to! I hope this interview with Crystal has inspired you to explore new ways of making math fun in your homeschool.
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to leave a comment and share it with your friends. And if you haven’t already, don’t forget to check out the Christian Homeschool Moms Podcast for more homeschool tips and interviews with amazing guests like Crystal! 🌟
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Thanks for listening and watching!
I truly love to chat with homeschool moms of faith. If you are a new homeschooler I certainly hope you’ve found Crystal’s words helpful for you.
Because that’s what homeschool moms do – we help one another!
Until next time…happy homeschooling.
