Various people have touched on the issue here. I think being "mathematically minded" comes down to being able to think conceptually. Writing things down can help, but everyday maths (comparing prices, estimating fuel consumption, etc) is mostly done on-the-fly ie. with nothing to write on.
My eldest son really struggles with maths. I've had a hard time teaching him all the tricks I use to make calculations in my head. Relating to practical examples does help, but when you get to complex equations there is often no real world example (well, not at his age).
His brother on the other hand just gets it instantly. I can remember many times at the dinner table asking the school boy some mathematical question and his pre-school brother providing the answer!
My approach: I have always loved maths, and I know it is important in everyday life. So, for the son who just doesn't get it, I focus on everyday applications (including some programming - he's interested in computers), but mostly focus on the other things he is good at. It's important that kids know that failure at one thing (eg. maths) doesn't make them a failure at everything.
Various people have touched on the issue here. I think being "mathematically minded" comes down to being able to think conceptually. Writing things down can help, but everyday maths (comparing prices, estimating fuel consumption, etc) is mostly done on-the-fly ie. with nothing to write on.
My eldest son really struggles with maths. I've had a hard time teaching him all the tricks I use to make calculations in my head. Relating to practical examples does help, but when you get to complex equations there is often no real world example (well, not at his age).
His brother on the other hand just gets it instantly. I can remember many times at the dinner table asking the school boy some mathematical question and his pre-school brother providing the answer!
My approach: I have always loved maths, and I know it is important in everyday life. So, for the son who just doesn't get it, I focus on everyday applications (including some programming - he's interested in computers), but mostly focus on the other things he is good at. It's important that kids know that failure at one thing (eg. maths) doesn't make them a failure at everything.