Helping with math         

Syndicated column from The Parent Institute

[JAN. 9, 2006]  Q: I'm looking for ways to help my child with math? He's in first grade and this is definitely not his best subject. Should we be looking for a tutor, or is there something we can do at home to help? (Math wasn't my best subject, either.)

A: Many parents remember struggling with math in school and can't imagine helping their children with it. But teaching kids about math isn't difficult, especially once you realize that math is a big part of daily life. We use subtraction to pay bills, addition to keep score during a game and multiplication to double a recipe -- to mention just a few examples!

You can help your child have some fun with math flashcards. Ask his teacher to advise you about the level of difficulty appropriate for your son. Have him help you make the flashcards. Making the flashcards will be a learning experience for your son. Here's how:

• Put a simple equation on one side and the answer on the back. Then have your child write or say the answer as you show him the problem.

• Try showing him the answer and ask for the question that goes with it, like the TV game show "Jeopardy."

• Sort out the easy problems and then do extra work on the harder ones. Sometimes mix them up and go through them all.

• Use odd moments to practice. Work on the number facts with your son while folding laundry, while you're doing dishes together or before bedtime.

• Keep the practice times short. End them with words of praise for successes and good effort.

The key is to mention math to your son throughout the day and plan interesting activities that involve math skills. Here are some activities you can try over the winter break:

• Have your child pay for an item while you're out shopping.

• Play store, and let your son be the cashier. Use real money, if possible, and props such as cereal boxes and receipts.

• Play restaurant. At dinner, let your son "order" his meals. Charge prices he can pay with real or play money, and have him ask for the correct change.

• Encourage your son to start saving. Give him a bank, and together keep track of how much is in it.

Give your son experiences that will teach him that math is important -- and fun! If he ever gets bored or frustrated during an activity, take a break or switch to something else. Your goal is to help your son develop a positive attitude about math that will last through school and beyond.

[The Parent Institute]

For more information about helping children learn or to submit your own question, go to http://advisor.parent-institute.com. All questions will receive a prompt answer by e-mail.

Copyright 2005, The Parent Institute

"Ask the Learning Advisor -- Ideas for Raising Successful Children" is a free, syndicated column from the Parent Institute.