Ways to help your children with math

11/28/2010

Here are some suggestions from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Inc. (www.nctm.org) on ways parents can help children succeed in and enjoy math:

Be positive:

If you have a negative attitude about mathematics, chances are your child will too.

Help your child have a "can-do" attitude by praising your child's efforts as well as her accomplishments.

Link mathematics with daily life:

Help your child realize that mathematics is a significant part of everyday life, such as deciding whether he has enough money to purchase a list of items at the store.

Make mathematics fun:

Play board games, solve puzzles, and ponder brain teasers with your child. Point out the mathematics involved, and have your child discuss the strategies he used.

Learn about mathematics-related careers:

Research different careers with your child, and find out what she should be doing now to prepare for these options.

Have high expectations:

In North America the belief that only some students are capable of learning mathematics has prevailed.

You would not expect your child not to read; similarly, you should not expect your child not to do mathematics. Your attitude and expectations are crucial to influencing his or her future opportunities.

Support homework, don't do it:

Relax and remember whose homework it is. If you take over doing homework for your child, you encourage him to easily give up or seek help when working on a challenging problem.

Think of yourself as more of a guide rather than a teacher.

-- Kirk Baird