Mathematics


  • Demonstrate a positive attitude about math.  Show interest and enthusiasm for mathematics in school and in daily life.
  • Keep your expectations high.  Everyone can learn mathematics. Expect your child to work hard in mathematics.
  • Help your child to understand that “struggle” is a good thing.  Teach them about perseverance and praise effort.  Foster a “can do” attitude.
  • Work math into everyday conversations.  Verbalize your own math thinking – including mistakes!
  • Play games – board games, puzzles, mazes, blocks.  Point out the math.
  • Count everything — by 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, 100s, 1/4s, 1/2s, .25 — forward and backward, starting from zero and other numbers.
  • Read together children’s literature that integrates math.
  • When helping with homework:
    • Talk less.  Listen more.
    • Don’t do the homework — sends the message to give up when it gets hard.
    • Keep the pencil in your child’s hand.
    • Ask questions.
    • Send back homework unfinished when it’s too hard.  Teachers need to know.

Helping with Homework

Basic Facts

Why We Ask Kids to Explain Their Thinking