Let’s Celebrate International Mathematics Day: Discover its Magic as a Family! 

March 14 is a special date for all those who love numbers, logic, and the patterns that shape our world. It is the International Day of Mathematics, a global celebration that seeks to highlight the importance of this discipline in daily life. However, for many children (and some adults as well), math can seem like a daunting challenge or an unappealing subject. The key to changing this perception is to present mathematics in a playful and accessible way, integrating it into daily family activities. And there is no better day to explain it than PI day, or math day, because it is March 3, or, 3/14, like the number. 

Mathematics in Our Daily Lives

Although we may not realize it sometimes, mathematics is everywhere. When we cook, we follow recipes with precise measurements. When we play, we count points and apply strategies based on probabilities. Even in nature we can see mathematical patterns, such as the spiral arrangement of seeds in a sunflower or the perfect symmetry of a snowflake.

Helping children see math in their environment can make them perceive it more naturally and less abstractly. A walk in the park becomes an opportunity to look for geometric shapes, count the steps of a staircase or measure the shadow of a tree. When children discover that math is not only in books, but also in their world, their attitude toward learning changes.

Math Beyond Numbers

Mathematics is not limited to numerical operations. This discipline is key to the development of critical thinking and problem-solving. When faced with a math problem, children learn to analyze, look for solutions, and make informed decisions.

They also have a strong connection with other areas of knowledge. In music, rhythms and patterns follow mathematical principles. In art, proportions and symmetries are based on geometry. In science and technology, mathematics is fundamental to programming, physics, and engineering. Every time we pay with a credit card, there is cryptography and its complicated mathematical formulas to guarantee the security of operations. 

Helping children see these connections allows them to understand that math is a powerful tool for understanding the world and expressing their creativity.

How to Make Math Fun for Kids

For many little ones, the idea of studying math may not be very exciting. However, if we present them through games and challenges, they can become an exhilarating and entertaining experience.

There are numerous board games and math puzzles that help develop numerical and logical thinking skills. Games such as tangram encourage spatial recognition and creativity, while Sudoku introduces logic in a friendly way. Puzzles, board games, and card games are also effective ways to incorporate mathematical thinking into the daily routine. A game of rummy with grandparents strengthens the bond between generations and familiarizes them with numbers.

Another effective strategy is to pose small daily challenges. For example, when shopping, you can ask questions such as: “If each fruit costs 2 euros, how exactly can we spend 10 euros?“. In the kitchen, you can make measurement conversions or fold a recipe to practice multiplication and fractionation.

Inspiring a Love of Math

For children to enjoy mathematics, it is essential to foster a positive attitude towards it. Many times, adults transmit our own insecurities about this matter without realizing it. Instead of saying, “Math is hard“, we can say, “Math helps us think better.” And we should try to avoid phrases such as “I was bad at mathematics” because they can convey that it is something hereditary, when it is not. 

Celebrating small achievements is key. If a child solves a problem after several attempts, instead of focusing on the mistakes, we can highlight their effort and determination.

In addition, asking open-ended questions that arouse curiosity can be very effective. Why do bees build hexagon-shaped combs and not another shape? How is it possible for a bridge to remain standing? These types of questions motivate children to investigate and connect math to the real world.

Learning Math in the Digital Age

Today, technology gives us powerful tools to teach and reinforce math interactively. Apps and digital platforms can personalize learning, adapting the exercises to the pace and level of each child.

Many of these platforms use adaptive algorithms to identify areas where a child needs more practice and adjust exercises accordingly. A task that is almost impossible to do by hand.  In addition, gamification makes learning more motivating by including rewards, levels, and progressive challenges. However, it’s important to balance screen time with math experiences outside of the digital world. A good approach is to combine short sessions in apps with hands-on, real-life activities.

An excellent example of personalized learning is Smartick, an online method that adapts to the pace and level of each child with daily sessions of only 15 minutes. As it is personalized, the method works for all children: for those who need reinforcement in mathematics, for those who are doing well and want to consolidate, or for those who need a greater challenge than the one they encounter at school. Its approach based on motivation and autonomy allows children to get hooked on learning in a natural way and enjoy the process. If you would like to explore it, you can access it through this link and discover it first-hand with a special discount.

Let’s celebrate International Mathematics Day Together!

This March 14, let’s take the opportunity to discover the fascinating side of mathematics. Whether through games, experiments or explorations in nature, let’s make this date an occasion to enjoy with the family. If it’s PI Day, let’s look for circles around us 

Mathematics not only helps us solve problems, but it also teaches us to think in a structured and creative way. With the right approach, we can turn them into an exciting adventure for our children and lay the foundation for meaningful learning.

Let’s make math a fun and enriching experience for everyone!

Dr Hiwet Mariam Costa

About the Author

Dr. Hiwet Mariam Costa is an Italian psychologist specializing in developmental and educational psychology, with a focus on cognitive intervention to prevent learning difficulties in mathematics. She is the founder of Happy Mind Training and currently works on the diversity and inclusion team at Smartick. She collaborates with the Numerical Cognition Laboratory at the University of Malaga on projects related to dyscalculia assessment and intervention.