| What can I do as a parent to help my child succeed in Math? |
|
|
| updated October 10, 2008 |
In today’s highly competitive economy, solid skills in mathematics, including algebra, are a necessity – not just for scientists and engineers, but for everyone!
As a parent, you may be anxious about your own math skills or perhaps feel challenged by the difficulty of your child’s math homework, but your child will benefit greatly if you maintain a positive, encouraging attitude. And whether or not you completely understand your child’s math assignments, you can still help as he or she progresses through school by asking the right questions, helping your child approach the problems with the right attitude, and getting extra help from the teacher as a tutor as needed.
A recent pamphlet, Counting on Excellence from the US Department of Education (with recommendations from the National Mathematics Advisory Panel), stated that being proficient in mathematics helps to improve students’ college and career options and increases their future income levels. Beyond the education, career, and economic benefits… a solid background in mathematics helps students to better understand their world and to become good citizens.
The National Mathematics Advisory Panel states that there are several things parents can do and must do to help ensure that their children succeed in math.
Encourage your child to have a positive attitude about learning mathematics.
Stress the importance of effort. Prompt your child to face challenges positively and to see mathematics as a subject that is important.
Avoid statements like “I wasn’t good at math,” or “Math is too hard.”
For more information on how to help your child succeed in mathematics, please visit Helping Your Child Learn Mathematics online at www.ed.gov/parents.
|
|
|
 |
Cooke Elementary School
Jon Hanbury and Sherry Trach
|
|
|
|
