Here are some things that you can do to help your child be a successful mathematics student:
Visit your child’s school. Meet with her teacher and ask how your child approaches mathematics. Does she enjoy it? Does she participate actively? Does she understand assignments and do them accurately? If the teacher indicates that your child has problems with math, ask for specific things that you can to help her.
Check math homework and other assignments. It’s usually a good idea to check to see that your younger child has finished her math homework assignments. If your older child is having trouble finishing assignments, check her work, too. After your child’s teacher returns math homework, have your child bring it home so that you can read the comments to see if she has done the assignment satisfactorily. However, do not do homework for your child! Limit your assistance to seeing that your child understands the assignments and that she has the necessary supplies to do them. Too much parent involvement in homework can make children dependent—and takes away from the value of homework as a way for children to become independent and responsible.
Find out whether your child’s teacher is highly qualified and whether the school follows state standards for mathematics instruction. Ask the school principal for a school handbook or math curriculum guide. If your school doesn’t have a handbook, ask the principal and teachers questions such as the following:
• What math teaching methods and materials are used? Are the methods used to teach math based on scientific evidence about what works best? Are materials up to date?
• How much time is spent on math instruction?
• How does the school measure student progress in math? What tests does it use? How do the students at the school score on state assessments of math?
• Does the school follow state math standards and guidelines?
• Are the math teachers highly qualified? Do they meet state certification and subject-area knowledge requirements?
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to