Numbers, and Shapes and Signs—Oh My!

If you have a child in school, you likely have encountered fights and moments of frustration over homework, specifically math homework. Maybe it’s not necessarily the homework itself, but rather your uncertainty about how to help your child with it. You learned one way; they are learning a different way. You didn’t, and still don’t, like it; they do. Maybe you think you aren’t even very good at it and thus simply can’t help your child. While math certainly has changed since “back in the day,” the general concepts haven’t. The reality is your child is going to have homework and will need your help at some point. So what in the world do you do when you don’t know what to do?!

First of all, when it comes to homework, remember you are not alone if you are unsure how to help your child. Many parents are in the same situation. Also important to know is that no more than 20 to 30 minutes should be spent on homework you and your child are struggling with. Otherwise, everyone ends up frustrated, which doesn’t do either of you any good.

Secondly, look at what your child brought home and try to find an example of what he is doing from class. If you can’t find one, perhaps searching on Google might come in handy. You can type in the actual problem, a title or term if there is one available. You even may need to search through a couple of sites to find what is most helpful.

Thirdly, ask your child some guiding questions such as “Where do we begin?” or “What question are we trying to answer?” Sometimes all kids need is a little jog of their memory.

Lastly, be patient, supportive and encouraging. Try not to nag a child about it, accuse him of not paying attention or scold him for lack of understanding. I distinctly remember how the math assignment made perfect sense as I watched the teacher flawlessly show us how to do it in class, but by the time I got to my homework, it didn’t make as much sense anymore!

Here are a few other tried and true, everyday math tips from Olathe teachers, who also happen to double as parents:

• Kari, a second grade teacher in Olathe, says, “Practice math facts…whether that be with old school flash cards or an app like Xtra math ($4.99 for iOS). Learning addition, subtraction and multiplication facts will help your child succeed in math. Also taking time to learn the new way we do math so your language is the same is helpful. Many districts have websites that you can utilize to see how and what the kids are learning.”
• Tiffany, also a second grade teacher in Olathe, comments, “I help my child, age 5, with math by finding everyday things to relate to. I make sure she understands terminology (quarter, penny, nickel, dime, dollar, o’clock, more, less, add, subtract, etc.). Then, we relate it to something we see or do. For example, if we see that I have eight pennies, and I take away three, how many do we have now? She sees numbers everywhere, so there is plenty of opportunity to talk about it—even on menus at restaurants. It’s a great way to introduce numbers and show that math is a very important part of our world, no matter what job you will have later in life. One of our favorite games to play in the car is “I Spy” with numbers! Math can be fun…and you literally can use any object at home to teach it!”
• “We like to practice multiplication facts while we’re riding in the car. At home, the girls have their own mini whiteboards. They love to have us write problems on the boards for them to solve. Brightly-colored markers add an extra bit of fun too!” says Mindy, a fourth grade teacher in Olathe.
• “I personally feel one of the most important things parents can do at home is to have a good attitude about math themselves and relate real world applications of math skills to their child,” says Tiffany, a fourth grade teacher in Olathe.

            I’m sure you feel fully equipped to knuckle down for tonight’s math exercises, but just in case you still aren’t confident, remember this joke (and even share it with your child): Why did the boy eat his math homework? Because his teacher said it would be a piece of cake! Now that you’ve had a giggle, get in there and get cracking on that math homework! Good luck!

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park, where she still enjoys helping her children with math, since they are only 5, 4 and 2!

Quiz:

What are good ways to help your kids with math?

A) Don’t.B) Look for similar examples.C) Ask for help from a teacher or tutor.D) Work through it together.Answer - B, C, and D