How To Help Your Child With Math Homework

A. Create a homework routine

1. familiar routines help the work go smoothly at school and at home
2. decide on a time and location to do homework as well as a few simple rules
3. read any relevant communication from the teacher

B. Communicate with the teacher

1. share thoughts and concerns
2. be supportive
3. don’t blame or criticize the teachers,school,program
4. call, e-mail, write a note if your child is experiencing difficulty with her/his homework
5. ask questions if your child does not understand something
6. share the good news of progress with the teacher if you witness progress

C. Ask your child to explain

1. don’t give them the answers
2. ask your child to explain their thought process and steps used to solve the problem
3. help guide them, help them discover the answers, they will learn more during the process

D. Use questions to help comprehension
For example:

1. Have you seen a problem like this before?
2. What is the problem asking?
3. What idea(s) do you have for figuring out the answer?
4. Why do you think that answer is correct?
5. Does your answer make sense?

E. Be accepting of mistakes

1. each mistake is a learning experience
2. use positive reinforcement


F. Play math games.

1. games will help your child master skills
2. they are fun
3. children learn without realizing it when playing the games
4. games will strengthen the connection between you and your child with respect to homework

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