Mastering math isn't just about numbers. Kids learn to analyze problems, think out of the box and find solutions. It helps children develop the essential skills to succeed in school and life. But sometimes, kids can have difficulty, and parents can become frustrated. Here are some tips to help them succeed.
Visit your child's school. Meet with the teacher and ask how your child approaches mathematics. Do they enjoy it? Is your child an active participant? Are assignments understood and completed accurately? If the teacher indicates that your child has problems with math, ask for specific things you can do to help.
Check homework and assignments. It's usually a good idea to check if your child has finished math homework assignments. If they need help completing assignments, check the work. After your child's teacher returns math homework, have your child bring it home so that you can read the comments to see if the assignment was satisfactorily completed. Ask your child if they understand the assignments and have the necessary supplies to do them. Remember that too much parental involvement in homework can make children dependent and takes away from the value of homework.
Check the school website. School websites can provide you with access to information, including homework assignments, class schedules, lesson plans and dates for the school district and state tests.
Help your child recognize how much math is a part of everyday life. Statistics in sports, the price of clothing, the amount of gas needed to travel from one city to another or the measurements in a recipe are all ways mathematics is incorporated into a typical day. Help your child to link his school lessons to practical events.
Point out jobs that require mathematical skills. Your child may recognize that many people must have good math skills to do their jobs—scientists, doctors, computer technicians, accountants and bankers, for example. However, your child may not realize that many other jobs require math. Point out how math is used in running a business, plumbing, carpentry, clothing design or architecture. Explain how having strong math skills open up many great career opportunities.
Stimulate your child's interest. Help your child learn to use calculators, but don't let him rely solely on them to solve math problems. Encourage him to learn to use computers to extend what he is learning and to find math games and math-related websites.
Show your child that you like mathematics. Letting your child see that you use math and aren't afraid of it will go much further to building positive attitudes than just telling your child he should learn it.
Check the teacher's qualifications and whether the school follows state standards for mathematics instruction. Ask the school principal for a school handbook or math curriculum guide. If your school doesn't have a handbook, ask the principal and teachers questions such as the following:
What math teaching methods and materials are used? Are the methods used to teach math based on scientific evidence about what works best? Are materials up to date?
How much time is spent on math instruction?
How does the school measure student progress in math? What tests does it use? How do the students at the school score on state assessments of math?
Does the school follow state math standards and guidelines?
Are math teachers highly qualified? Do they meet state certification and subject-area knowledge requirements?
These report cards show how your school compares to others in the district and indicate how well it is succeeding.
Source: U.S. Department of Education: www2.ed.gov
