• Children will pick up on negative feelings about mathematics

• Encourage efforts and accomplishments – persistence and working through problems are valuable life skills

• Make math real; show connections between mathematics and your daily life

• Have fun. Puzzles, board games, websites, and brainteasers can provide opportunities for the whole family to have fun together while experiencing mathematics

• Provide a quiet work area for the child, with appropriate furniture and lighting

• Supply the required materials, such as pencils, a ruler, etc.

• Remember, it is your child’s homework. Resist the temptation to do the work for your child

• Set high standards by encouraging your child to do his or her best on each activity

• Encourage responsibility by providing a homework tracking sheet that your child can use to record and check off homework assignments

Explanations can give children a starting point and can often help them figure out a problem or reinforce a concept. Here are some sample questions:

What is the problem?

What do you know that may help you with the problem?

What do you need to know?

Where do you think you should begin?

How can you show your work?

Do you think your plan is working?

What have you done so far?

Where can you get help?

Does your answer make sense?

Is there another way to solve this problem?

• Note down any questions or comments as they come up

• Contact your child’s teacher to discuss your concerns

• Ask for literature or websites with more information on specific topics or on elementary mathematics in general