Transcript Slide 1
Helping Your Child Learn Math A Parent’s Guide
December 6, 2012
Common Core State Standards
Progression of learning expectations in English Language Arts and mathematics Designed to prepare K-12 students for college and career success The CCSS communicates what is expected of students at each grade level Students, parents, teachers, and school administrators are on the same page, working toward shared goals .
Student Expectations
The expectations we have for our students are so much greater now than they’ve ever been. What was good enough yesterday, is not good enough today! Many of the jobs our children will pursue in the future haven’t been created yet. We must teach our students new ways to think because life may possibly be much different for them than it was for us.
How will my child learn math?
Children learn math best through activities that encourage them to: • • explore think about what they are exploring • solve problems using information they have gathered themselves • explain how they reached their solutions
Be positive about math!
• Let your child know that everyone can learn math.
• Point out the ways in which different family members use math in their jobs.
• Be positive about your own math abilities. Try to avoid saying “I was never good at math” or “I never liked math.” • Encourage your child to be persistent if a problem seems difficult.
• Praise your child when he or she makes an effort, and share in the excitement when he or she solves a problem or understands something for the first time.
Make math part of your child’s day.
• Point out to your child the many ways in which math is used in everyday activities.
• Encourage your child to tell or show you how he or she uses math in everyday life.
• Include your child in everyday activities that involve math – making purchases, measuring ingredients, counting out plates and utensils for dinner.
• Play games and do puzzles with your child that involve math.
Encourage your child to give explanations.
• When your child is trying to solve a problem, ask what he or she is thinking. If your child seems puzzled, ask him or her to tell you what doesn’t make sense.
• Suggest that your child act out a problem to solve it. Have your child show how he or she reached a conclusion by drawing pictures and moving objects as well as by using words.
• Treat errors as opportunities to help your child learn something new.
What activities can parents do at home to help strengthen their child’s math skills?
Understanding Numbers
• Count everything!
• Ask your child to help you solve everyday number problems.
• Practice “skip counting.” • Make up games using dice and playing cards.
Understanding Measurement
• Measure items found around the house.
• Estimate everything!
• Compare and organize household items.
• Talk about time.
• Include your child in activities that involve measurement.
Understanding Geometry
• Identify shapes and sizes.
• Hide a toy and use directional language to help your child find it.
• Go on a “shape hunt.” • Play “I Spy”, looking for different shapes.
Understanding Patterns
• Look for patterns in storybooks and songs.
• Create patterns using your body.
• Hunt for patterns around your house and your neighborhood.
• Explore patterns created by numbers.
Understanding and managing data
• Sort household items.
• Make a weather graph.
• Make a food chart.
• Talk about the likelihood of events.
Test Taking Tips
Thought Provoking Questions • Have your child read each question carefully and think about the answer before writing a response. Can they explain the problem in their own words?
• Encourage your child to use the problem solving strategies presented in class. Would it help to draw a picture or a diagram of the problem?
• Be sure they show their work when asked. Would someone reading their paper be able to understand their reasoning?
• Did they check their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division?
• Does their answer make sense?