Mathematical thinking in a child: what is the benefit and how to develop it?

The firmness of judgments, concentration, efficiency in solving problems - all these qualities indicate the presence of mathematical thinking. Without this skill, it is almost impossible to realize in the modern world. It must be formed from early childhood. Where to start, so that the child grew up as a strategist in his actions and had logical thinking? We're looking into the article.

Thinking mathematically – what does that mean?

To begin with, it is necessary to realize that the development of mathematical thinking is not exactly identical with learning arithmetic actions. That is, the ability to count, add and subtract is not considered proof of the full intellectual development of the baby. Especially if the preschooler learned everything mechanically.

The indicator is the ability to think logically, delve into the essence and analyze the information received. Guided by these mental operations, the child perceives the task as a construction consisting of mini-blocks. He arranges them in the correct sequence and clearly sees the shortest way of solving. And it does not matter what kind of task will be - preparation for a test work or fees for a tourist trip. The mathematical mind in any situation will turn on the critical thinking mode and develop an error-free algorithm of actions. Quick, simple and concise.

These skills are equally important for both humanities and fans of computing. Thanks to them, children learn to think rationally and draw their own conclusions, which is extremely important in the current information time.

Advantages of Mathematical Thinking

Today, it is difficult to find a field in which a trained mind is not needed. Clarity of actions, understanding of cause and effect relationships are always in demand and highly valued by others. Such people rarely give in to difficulties, and they have alternative solutions. They see an obstacle as an impulse to act and to seek new opportunities.

Logical and mathematical thinking of preschoolers is reflected in playful and practical activities. The Lego cosmodromes built by a child mathematician are impressive with their thoughtfulness and wide functionality. He delights with success in training and delights teachers with organization. It is safe to say that in the future, its characteristic feature will be punctuality, and the habit of analysis will protect against mistaken choices.

Mathematical methods have long gone beyond formulas and equations. They are guided in psychology, creativity, business. It is necessary for every person to possess them, because this is the key to purposefulness and high self-esteem.

5 Types of Mathematical Thinking

The category of “smart and smart” can not be called homogeneous. Despite the same level of intelligence, each of them will use different ways to solve the same problem. Someone will think abstractly, someone better reduce to specific parameters. There are 5 types of mathematical thinking:

1. Topological meticulous research into detail, focusing on qualitative rather than quantitative relationships. It begins to develop from the age of 2.
2. Ordinary The sequence of actions, the logical completion of what began. People with this type of thinking do not like to take risks and trust only proven facts.
3. Metric. Emphasis on accurate calculations. Metrists prefer to weigh everything and predict the result in advance.
4. Algebraic structural perception of the object. Ability to combine in circumvention of established rules. Style of work: focus on the main and simplify the secondary.
5. Projective A large-scale approach to the problem, based on a deep analysis of all components. A person with the ability to see a question in different projections is distinguished by a highly developed intellect.

How much one type dominates the others will depend on the direction of thinking in a particular situation.

How to Develop Mathematical Thinking in Preschoolers

A mathematician may be born, but it is definitely not worth writing off everything on natural inclinations. It is always possible to develop the ability to think logically. It is enough to regularly do “charge for the mind” with the child. But remember that it should be interesting and exciting. The game is best suited for this. For example:

What's extra?

Place 5 circles of different sizes and colors. Place a rectangle between them. The child must find an extra figure and explain his choice. The game can be played in different variations: fruits, including vegetables, freight transport - a car, flowers - leaves. Develops logic and ability to synthesize by trait.

Cell drawing.

Draw on a sheet in a cell half of the picture - a dog, a man, a plant. Ask your child to draw the second half symmetrically. The game improves spatial thinking, attention and observation.

Say the opposite.

The game is good because it can be played on a walk, during a trip in transport. The point is to quickly articulate the opposite of what you hear. For example:

• in summer - hot, in winter - cold;
• The ice is hard, the sand is soft.
• The hill is high, the hole is deep, etc.

The older the child, the more difficult the options can be offered to him. This is how intelligence and speed of thinking develop.

In order to teach a child to think logically, it is necessary to remember the mathematical individuality. Adults should not impose their own scheme of thinking, because the child may have a different type of thinking and understand the attitude of the father or mother it will be difficult.

Watch your son or daughter carefully. See how he or she solves puzzles, puzzles, from which side approaches the solution of various problems. Always support and praise. Only in this way the exact sciences in the school will cause interest, and life difficulties in the future will not knock off the rut.