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It's a quiet weekday evening. As the kids are finishing their homework, the latest #1 Best Seller beckons you into the comfy cushions of your couch. You are just settling into chapter one, when suddenly you are interrupted by the all-too-frequent summons, "I can't do this math homework. Can someone please help me?" Do you think, "Not again," or do you put aside your reading, eager to join in and figure out the problem? No matter your response, following the suggestions below may help you help your child tackle those after-school math homework obstacles. Make Math a Family Habit Schedule regular sessions for working on math lessons rather than waiting for a "bad-math-day" to offer your help. Consider ages, learning styles and attention spans and do not overlook the possibility of working outdoors if the weather is nice. Set the Tone for Success All mathematicians experience bouts of "math mania." Your son or daughter may need a strong dose of support, encouragement and coaching rather than a structured lesson. Your calm, reassuring voice may relax your young math expert and get him or her back on track. If this is not enough, work together to pinpoint the problem in a positive manner. Concentrate on making statements such as, "Let's see what this problem did to trip you up," rather than, "How in the world did you get that answer?" Create Confidence Builders. Explain that you need a quick refresher lesson to become a more effective homework helper. Allow your youngster to become a "math show-off" by teaching you all he or she knows about the topic at hand. Follow along in the math textbook, and nod your head frequently. Emphasize strengths by asking your child to pick out a few problems that he or she has confidence solving. By approaching the assignment in this manner, you will understand the method the classroom teacher has used to explain the lesson. You will also gain insight into the math concepts your son or daughter understands or misunderstands. If you need more time, offer your child a short break to refocus while you review the book and test your skills. Become a Guide-on-the-Side Help your son or daughter learn to decipher directions, use the index of a textbook and understand examples found in class notes. Practice posing questions that help your child figure out the next step of a problem rather than explaining exactly how to proceed. Avoid "Math-Magic" Tackle the tough problems together, but try not to arrive at answers too quickly. Model for your child or teen the importance of reading and re-reading the problem (out loud if necessary); organizing information; determining exactly what the question is; making a plan of action; and checking to see that each answer makes sense when substituted into the original problem. - Anne C. Patterson |
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