| PARENTS OFTEN ASK
How can I help my child with math homework?
Caregivers can help children with math homework in a variety of ways:
-Find a good place to do homework; gather materials that may be needed and make sure the lighting
is good.
-Help prioritize tasks. Occasionally check on progress and help with time management. Suggest a
break when it's needed. Help your child refocus when he or she becomes distracted. Set time
limits--Bedtime is important too.
-You don't have to have all of the answers. Use the student reference book and notes from class.
Most parents assume that helping means explaining procedures or concepts.
-Ask these questions:
-"Do you understand what the question is asking?"
-"How do you think you might start this problem?"
-"Have you seen a problem like this before?"
-"Can you show me a simpler problem like this one that might give us a clue as to how to
begin?
-"As you write on your paper, share out loud for me what you're thinking."
-"Does your answer sound reasonable? How do you know?"
-Show positive support. Don't show your fear of math (if you have it).
-Don't let homework interfere with your relationship with your child. Talk with your child's teacher
when difficulties arise. Asking for information has two advantages:
First, you can clear up misunderstandings about the assignments and your role.
Second, you let the teacher know that you are involved and supportive.
Preparing for Tests
-Help your child stay up to date with his/her work. All absent work needs to be made up.
At least 2 nights before the test (or quiz)
-Gather together your packet and journal.
-Scan the material on the quiz or test.
-Go over notes you have taken.
-Go over the examples in your packet. Redo them.
-Study all formulas and definitions. Make flash cards to help you study.
-Redo problems from the journal and check your work with the correct answers in your
journal.
-Use your review cards or make a mock test (for a test).
-Go over any section(s) that give you trouble.
-Remember to write down any questions or problems that you do not feel confident about and ask in
class the next day.
-USE YOUR REFERENCE BOOK FOR EXTRA HELP!
Completing Tests:
-Be prepared with pencils, erasers, and any other material you need.
-Stay calm.
-Before you start the test, close your eyes and take a few breaths.
-Pay close attention to your teacher's directions.
-Read ALL directions on the test yourself.
-Reach each question carefully.
-Take a short time to look over the entire test before you begin working. Get a picture of the
whole test.
-Work on the problems you are sure of first. Then go back and work on the other problems.
-Leave a problem you don't know how to do. Work quickly but don't rush. Come back to the items
not answered when you've finished the rest of the test.
-Identify what operation(s) is(are) needed to solve the problem.
-Don't forget to watch decimal points.
-Reduce fractions to lowest terms when expected.
-Estimate your answer as you work your problem. Use this as a means to check your work.
-Take all shortcuts possible to save time.
-Underline the information needed to solve a word problem.
-Make a diagram, picture, or graph to figure out what the problem asks.
-All tests are to be returned signed and with corrections attached showing all work.
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