It all adds up: A parent’s guide to mathematical success

Have you ever heard someone lament that their child struggles with math — and then add “and I was never good at math either”? Do you think that some students are destined to succeed because they’re inherently “good at math”? Good news — according to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Sylvan Learning, the answer to that question is no. These educators believe everyonecan succeed at math. Sylvan’s experts believe that a strong foundation in math is critical because it’s a gateway to higher level thinking and to all science and technology related subjects. We also know that Nova Scotia’s assessment results in math are not what we want to see. So what can parents do to help?

To support your child’s math learning, parents must believe that everyone can learn mathematics, and that learning math is essential to lifelong success. Experts agree that parents can encourage a positive attitude towards mathematics by boosting a child’s confidence and competence. Studies indicate that people who have experienced long-term difficulty with a subject tend to give up quicker than those who have met with success. Therefore, it is important that parents intervene as soon as children exhibit signs of struggling with concepts.

Attitudes are contagious. Encourage your child by saying, “You did a great job on your homework assignment!” Avoid comments about your own struggles with math — and remember, you don’t have to teach skills or show frustration at “new ways” of doing math. Rather, be a math coach by encouraging and helping to make mathematics a part of your child’s daily routine — this can help create excitement and a willingness to learn new, complex concepts.

Parents can make math matter outside of school by creatively unlocking math problems hidden within everyday situations. Keeping track of sports scores and averages provides a natural introduction to statistics. Rearranging a bedroom can become a geometry conversation about the room’s area versus space used by furniture.

By “mathematizing” daily activities such as shopping, parents can inspire confidence in math abilities. Offer to give children a percentage of the grocery money saved by clipping coupons, or ask them to calculate the savings on shoes marked down 25 per cent. Involve children in cooking — double a recipe — or cut it in half and encourage your child to do the calculations. “Talk mathematics” with children while highlighting the types of math needed in their chosen careers, such as, interior decorator, hockey coach and party planner. Talk about jobs, such as carpentry or working in an art framing department, that require knowledge of fractions.

Many students admit their reluctance to ask for help because they feel alone in their struggles. Children need someone who is very patient to help them better understand math. Parents should encourage their children to speak up and acknowledge, “I still do not understand that concept. Can you please explain it to me again?” To ensure a student is secure in her abilities, parents must be nurturing and inspire confidence by helping the child develop self-confidence. By working together, you can ensure math success.

Libraries and schools offer excellent extra help programs. Sylvan has a new engaging Math Edge support program. Students attend for a couple of hours each week to work on number skills and challenging problem solving skills to build speed and accuracy while developing independent thinking skills. Math Edge inspires kids to enjoy math — and certified teachers support students throughout the program.

For additional educational resources, visit www.SylvanLearning.com, call 902-425-2223 or email [email protected].

Give your children an edge by being informed about how you can help them be successful learners. Tips for parents about current issues in education – that’s what you’ll find here on the Edge. Whether it’s about homework, report cards or summer learning, we’ll have practical tips for you. And if you have suggested topics, we’re listening.