What is the Philosophy Underlying Esso Family Math?

Children develop a love for reading when parents read to them on a regular basis. A love for mathematics develops in the same way. Parents can help their children see the patterns and relationships in mathematics by playing card games, finding and discussing mathematics in numbers around the home, posing simple math challenges and talking about math in the world in which their children live.

An important component of the Esso Family Math Program is the "Literature Connections", evident in each session. Literature creates a bond between child and adult and is therefore a valuable learning tool. Finding the mathematics in stories will help children and families to make mathematical connections with their real world. For further information on this topic you can read the article Opening Parents' Eyes to Rich Mathematical Literature.

Another important component of the Esso Family Math Program is the concept of estimation. Many of the Family Math activities involve estimating, a skill that children and adults use and depend on without always realizing its importance. The more individuals estimate, and the more they think about how they do it, the better they become. To be confident and successful estimators, children need a variety of opportunities to practice and to learn from their experiences. For further information on this topic you can read the article Children's Development of Range Based Estimation Skills: Far More than Guesswork.

Research shows that students do better at school when their parents are involved in their education. Many parents, however, are not comfortable being involved in their children's mathematics education because mathematics does not make sense to them or because they dislike mathematics. Sometimes, the negative attitudes and fears of parents are transferred to the children. Involvement in Family Math provides parents with the confidence to better help their children enjoy and understand math. For further information on this topic you can read the article Increasing Parental Sense of Efficacy for Facilitating their Children's Mathematical Development.

Family Math sessions educate parents to work and play with their children so as to develop positive attitudes toward mathematics. Parents and their children attend the Family Math sessions together, and all are actively involved in doing mathematics. Trained Leaders and Volunteers lead the sessions, introducing games and activities that reinforce skills and facilitate the understanding of math concepts, as well as foster an enjoyment for mathematics. Given early support at home and in their community, children have an opportunity to maintain a positive attitude toward math throughout their school years. Doors remain open and options increase.

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