"Math should be fun!"

Created: 05/25/2022, 16:00

They help with math learning problems: Barbara Eiband (left) and Eva Nagai want to help to understand math.

© URSULA GALLMETZER

Multiplication tables, fractions, percentage problems: Mathematics lessons are terrifying for many students.

This aversion to numbers carries through into adulthood for many.

So that such fear and disgust does not arise in the first place, two support teachers in Burggen start with the basics.

Burggen - "Many children hate math in the first grade", says Barbara Eiband.

The 38-year-old wants to change that together with Eva Nagai.

The two support teachers got to know each other during their training and in the future they will not only be friends, but also professionally.

In the basement of Eiband's house, they offer support for students.

First of all, they want to specialize in the mathematical field in their newly founded development institute.

"Every child can do something," Eiband is sure.

She has been working as a support teacher with small groups at the Altusried elementary and middle school for several years and has already supported many children.

“Some people simply drop out in the classroom,” explains the Burggenerin.

"For example, many can do arithmetic, but think differently than expected," says Nagai, who worked at the Murnau Clinic School until her maternity leave, from experience.

The teachers want to get involved in this thought process.

Children often get discouraged if they don't get it right away.

“In class there is simply not enough learning time to understand,” says Nagai.

Young people in higher classes often still have problems with arithmetic and count with their fingers.

"We want to strengthen the basis and consolidate the foundations," says the 32-year-old, believing that this is the only way to achieve success.

"The number range up to one hundred is the most important," adds Eiband.

"Everything is built on that."

"Math is about understanding," says Eiband, thinking back to her own school days.

"I didn't like math myself and after I finished school I thought to myself: 'Never again math!'" But during her apprenticeship her attitude changed.

Today she is passionate about mathematics.

She would like to pass this enthusiasm on to children and young people.

She does not offer standard tutoring with Nagai for this.

The two initially load for a one-to-one diagnosis.

It is determined what a child can already do and where there is a need to catch up.

A support plan is then drawn up accordingly.

"It's not just about counting, counting, counting," say the two women and don't believe in offering countless tasks.

"We always train the number look," says Nagai.

"We want the children to see the connections."

It is particularly important to them that what they have learned is connected to everyday situations.

"Behind every task there is a basic idea," the teachers point out possibilities for visualization.

Parents should also be brought on board.

They are shown tricks to help their offspring with their homework or learning in a meaningful way.

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This also includes the courage to intervene when there is too much homework.

"If a child needs two hours, that's too much," says Eiband.

"If you understand the solution, a few repetitions are enough," Nagai is convinced.

The goal of the authors of numerous child-friendly exercise books for math and German is not necessarily the grade "2" in the next rehearsal.

"The children should be able to use math in everyday life." But the two women are particularly pleased about one thing: "It's great to see when the child comes back to school with you."

If you want to get a first impression of the funding options: You can reach the funding institute on 08860/2819920 or by email to info@ifoe-foerderung.de.

URSULA GALLMETZER

You can find more current news from the region around Schongau at Merkur.de/Schongau.