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Mastering Math
Make a Mathematical Connection to Academic Success
By Raymond J. Huntington
Geometry
Becoming familiar with shapes and patterns will prepare your child to understand the principles of geometry and the way mathematics is used in architecture, clothing design, science and recreation. Let your child fix a favorite 
sandwich. Explain that a square has four equal sides and trim the sandwich edges to make a square. Next, cut the sandwich across the diagonal to make two triangles, each representing one-half of the square. Put the two halves back together and make a square again. Discuss the changes as they take place. Have your child identify circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, cylinders and spheres in other everyday objects. Measurement
Introduce your children to length and weight measurements by letting them experiment with a ruler and scale. Show them the difference between English and metric systems by using inches and feet as well as centimeters and meters, and ounces and pounds as well as grams and kilograms. Your children will quickly learn to estimate longer or shorter, lighter or heavier, closer or farther. When driving in a car, have your children guess how far they think you need to go to travel 1 mile. Check the odometer and tell them how far you have actually traveled when your children say, "One mile now." Try this activity with varying distances and test their judgment with kilometers as well.