Helping your child feel comfortable with math concepts will enable them to be more successful and confident in school. In our technological society, it is important that children have strong math skills. You can work with your child at home, while driving in the car or even during a shopping expedition. Make it fun and your child will not even realize they are improving their math skills.
Identify the Issues
The first step in helping your child is identifying where the problem lies. Schedule a conference with his teacher and ask to see examples of his math papers. Work with the teacher to narrow down what concepts your child is not understanding. Later at home, talk openly with your child and ask him how he feels about math. Be positive and encouraging concerning his abilities, and assure him that he can succeed in math. Your feelings towards math have a big impact on his success.
At Home
Your home is full of opportunities to help your child understand common mathematical concepts. For fraction help, grab your measuring cups and spoons and cook with your child. He will enjoy spending time with you and you can teach him about fractional parts of a whole at the same time. If understanding the value of money is difficult for him, bring out a container full of change and some items from around your house. Put price tags on the items and play store together. If he is older, include dollar bills and teach him to make change.
On the Road
Use every opportunity to show your child that math is relevant in all areas of life. Take him with you to the grocery store and put him in charge of your coupon envelope. As you select an item help him calculate how much the item will cost when you use your coupon. Before you go on vacation involve him in helping you map your route. Use an atlas and let him discover how many miles you will be traveling and how long it will take you to get there. If your child is very young, use signs along the road to point out numbers. Make a game of counting how many number 2's you see.
Purchased Supplies
Visit a school supply store and buy products specifically geared towards improving math skills. If telling time is hard for your child, buy a small clock at the store. Put the clock on your kitchen counter and have him set it for an upcoming event, like dinner. Show him how to count how many more hours before it is time to eat. Buy flash cards and drill your child on his math facts every day. It may be boring for him, but the time you spend now will give him much confidence later. Purchase a math concentration game and play concentration as a family. Keep these games and practice times as fun and interesting as possible.
Positive Reinforcement
Take the time to reinforce your child's successes. When she answers a question correctly, or completes her fact cards with a great attitude, reward her behavior. It does not have to be a tangible reward like candy or a toy, but can be a special outing for the two of you, or inviting a friend over to play. Make a chart and when your child has achieved a certain competency, reward her with stickers. When the chart is full, she can pick a pre-determined award.
