Math word problems: Parents can help with solutions

It’s no secret that Nova Scotia students’ performance on math tests is not what we’d like to see — for example, our Grade 8 students’ scores were in the middle of the pack, compared to students in other provinces, and were below the Canadian average. This should concern all Nova Scotians. Our ability to be competitive depends on graduating students with strong skills in science and math — knowledge and skills in these areas prepare students for a future that includes many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) requirements. So what’s a parent to do? First of all, be involved, pay attention to what your students are doing in school, and build open and positive relationships with your student’s teachers.

Let’s look at what else you can do to help with “word problems.” You may notice that your child’s homework includes a greater focus on these types of math problems, even for children in early grades. This may not be what you experienced yourself — but it’s a good thing! Math word problems take concepts learned in class and apply them to real life. These exercises also develop children’s logical and abstract thinking skills and help them strengthen problem-solving abilities for other types of content. However, math problems can be challenging and helping kids understand them isn’t always easy.

One important question to ask is whether your child is struggling with mathematics or with reading the questions. Sylvan Learning sees students who come for math help and we find that a reading gap also needs to be addressed — the student may even have strong arithmetic skills but not understand what a word problem is asking. Parents should talk to teachers and develop an understanding of their child’s strengths and areas that need help. Once you know what is needed, you can provide coaching help — remember, be a coach not a sub-contractor! That is, provide support and guidance, without necessarily being able to explain how to find the answer to the question —and definitely without solving it for your child!

Here are some suggestions from the experts at Sylvan Learning to help your child tackle math word problems.

Utilize math in everyday life

Your child’s math homework may have a problem that involves going to the grocery store and figuring out a total bill. Try recreating this and help your child learn to use math in practical ways. You can make a game of it and show your child that math can be useful — and fun!

Know the keywords

Helping your child understand which words are associated with different mathematical functions can help steer him in the right direction to finding the final answer. For instance, “and” usually indicates an addition problem while “less than” may clue you into a subtraction problem and “product of” means you’ll need to multiply.

Devise a problem-solving plan

Start by having your child read the problem through several times. It may help to ask him to draw out a picture or diagram of the question. List the information that is given in the problem, determine what is relevant or irrelevant and define what answers are needed. Then, encourage your child to work in an organized manner to solve the problem. When she has reached a solution, ask your child to reflect on the problem and ensure that she answered the question at hand —and that it makes sense.

Practice, practice!

How can your child become a better problem-solver? By solving more problems! Just as with sports or music, math requires practice. To help your child become more comfortable with the process of solving math word problems, you and your child can talk through how to solve problems before he attempts to find the answer. If he needs additional help, Sylvan Learning offers problem-solving tutoring to help students strategize and solve equations with confidence.

Math Edge is Sylvan’s new membership program designed to help children master math skills and improve speed and accuracy in an engaging way. We focus on problem solving strategies and independent thinking skills for concepts typically taught in schools. And, we combine the program with online apps and games to make math more enjoyable than just doing worksheets! Families with students in Grades 1 to 5 can become Math Edge members. It’s a flexible option for children to have fun while getting a boost in math, building independence and becoming more confident learners. Students complete a ‘Take Home Worksheet’ after each session that summarizes what they did that day — so parents are informed.

Sylvan creates personalized plans based on homework needs, including help catching up on missed skills, instruction in class material and concepts, improved study habits, a dedicated place and time where trained teachers help with assignments and targeted, engaging activities using an iPad. Sylvan also offers Robotics and Coding workshops and summer camps for elementary students. For more educational resources for children in grades pre-K through 12, visit www.SylvanLearning.com, call 902-422-7323 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.