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1. Be positive!
Let your children know that learning mathematics is very important.
Communicating a positive “can-do” attitude about mathematics is the single most
important way for you to ensure your child’s success in mathematics. Acknowledge
the facts that mathematics can be challenging at times and that persistence and
hard work are the keys to success. Relate mathematics to learning other
endeavors that require hard work and persistence, such as playing a sport or an
instrument. Struggling at times in mathematics is normal and is actually
necessary to, and valuable in, understanding.
2. Link mathematics with daily life.
You can help your children see the usefulness of mathematics by pointing it out
wherever you see it, not just in the home, but
everywhere. Tell your child about the mathematics you do in your job
and why it’s important. Think out loud about the following questions: How many
more miles before we get there? What mathematics is used in sports, music,
building a car, or the design of a Ferris wheel? Don’t forget geometry is a part
of mathematics: What shape does that tree look like? Before you know it, you
will find mathematics everywhere and so will your children.
3. Enjoy mathematics.
Even though the study of mathematics can be challenging, it can also be a great
joy. Play board games, solve puzzles, and ponder brain teasers with your child.
Most children enjoy these kinds of activities while enhancing their mathematical
thinking. As you engage in these activities with your child, point out the
mathematics involved and have your child talk about the strategies he used.
4. Learn about mathematics-related
careers.
Mathematics is foundational to a wide variety of interesting careers. Research
different careers with your child, and find out what she should be doing now to
prepare for these options. Help your child understand that the school courses
she takes now and the grades she earns will affect her future. One source of
information on the many career possibilities that involve mathematics is
Career Ideas for Kids Who Like Math by Diane Lindsey Reeves.
5. Have high expectations.
Research shows that when you believe that your children can learn challenging
concepts, they will rise to the expectation. Be confident that your children can
learn mathematics and then actively support them as they do. Make sure your
child is getting the same opportunities for mathematics as everyone else. Make
sure he or she is taking challenging classes each year, all the way through high
school.
6. Support homework, don't do it!
Homework is an area that can cause trouble in many households. Relax and
remember whose homework it is. If you take over doing homework for your child,
you encourage her to easily give up or seek help when working on a challenging
problem before it’s necessary. Studying mathematics requires one to be
resourceful, persistent, and confident. Your role is not only to support your
child but to help her take responsibility for herself. You can facilitate her
homework by asking questions and listening to her. The simple act of having your
child explain something out loud can often help her figure out the problem.
Encourage your child to show all her calculations or a description of her
thinking process on paper to support the solution to a problem. This recording
gives the student something to look back on, either for review or to spot and
fix a mistake. It can also furnish the teacher with useful information related
to the student’s reasoning and understanding.
7. Work in partnership with the teacher/school.
Be aware of the mathematics that your child is learning each year and the
standards he or she is required to meet. Ask your child and the teacher what
they are studying in mathematics. Regularly check in with your child and his or
her teacher about mathematics homework. If your child is experiencing
difficulties in mathematical learning, work with him or her to overcome these
trouble spots. Don’t ever hesitate to talk with your child’s teacher if you need
more information or assistance in helping your child. Besides your child’s
teacher or the school, the school district Web site for mathematics can be a
valuable resource for you as well.
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