5 Ways To Make Math Make Sense

Tips for parents to help their children with math at home.

The newly released book “Balancing the Equation: A Guide to School Mathematics for Educators & Parents” is a guide for parents to help their children with math at home. Below are five tips for parents from the authors and educators Matthew R. Larson and Timothy D. Kanold.

1. Provide support with problem solving. 

Use questioning strategies to help him or her solve complex problems. Good prompt questions are: “What is the problem asking you to find out?” or “What does the problem tell you?” and “Can you tell me the problem in your own words?”

2. Find math everywhere. 

Math problems are part of daily life. Encourage and engage your child to solve everyday problems as they arise.

3. Monitor your attitude. 

Watch your own attitude toward math. Give messages consistent with the belief that success in math comes from hard work and effort.

4. Support lots of practice at home. 

Encourage your child to complete math practice, but do so without doing the homework for them.

5. Ask why?

“Why?” and “how do you know?” questions reinforce the importance of understanding and justifying one’s work.