What families can do to help students succeed in math (Middle School)

Have a positive attitude about math
When helping a child with homework or talking about math in general, talk about the usefulness of math. We use math everyday!

Link math to everyday life
Mathematics develops logical thinking and problem-solving skills, which help students, understand and function in the world around them.

• Read schedules: TV Guide, Bus Transportation, for information
• Look at Data: Newspaper and magazines have tables and graphs daily. Have your child to explain what is shown in the data.
• Maps: Look at maps before a trip. Scale Factors. Calculate cost of gasoline mileage.
• Have student help with budget information: Have them shop for items, compare costs of items. How much is saved at 10%off.

Make math fun

• http://www.netrox.net/~labush/math.htm  Games and other math ideas
• http://www.thatquiz.com/  Extra practice with math concepts

Look into what careers are related to math

• Financial  Engineers Computer Programming

Math Resources / Tools

• Math Activities: Activities and practice of math skills
  • http://illuminations.nctm.org/        
  • http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/
• Math Dictionary: Look up definition of a math word and practice skills
  • http://amathsdictionaryforkids.com/   
  • http://www.shodor.org/interactivate1.0/dictionary/
• Need Help finding an answer?
  • http://www.webmath.com/      
  • http://www.gomath.com/     
  • http://www.mathpower.com/
• Extra Practice and math games
  • http://Thatquiz.com     
  • http://www.rainforestmaths.com
• Labush Game Matrix Over 100 math linked sites
  • http://www.netrox.net/~labush/math.htm
• Other Resources
  • http://amathsdictionaryforkids.com/  Help with a math defintion or example problem
  • http://www.freemathhelp.com/
  • http://www.helpalgebra.com/   Algebra help for everyone Games
  • http://www.Webmath.com

Questions to ask your child’s teacher:

• What mathematics will be taught in this class?
• What textbooks and other technologies will be used in this class?
• What supplies will my child need ? (Calulator, compass, ruler Etc.)
• What tests will my child encounter during the year?  Classroom, District, State levels?
• How much homework can we expect per night? Week?
• How do you determine grades? (Percent: Homework, tests, Quiz Etc)
• Can you tell me of homework help websites or hotlines?
• What is the best way to get a hold of you?

Homework staging questions for parents

• What do you already know about the problem?
• Do you have similar problems to look at?
• Can you draw a picture or diagram?
• What do you already know to help you solve the problem?
• Can you solve it by using a calculator?
• Who can you call on to get help?
• Where can we look for help on the internet?
• What is the number to the homework hotline?
• One of the most important rules of thumb: Don’t do your child’s homework for them.