I'm often asked by parents how they can help their students get better in math. Below are some suggestions. These are based on my observations and are my opinion. Please feel free to use or ignore any of the following:
I find that students will use these statements as validation for their own feelings that improvement isn't possible for them. Some students will use it as an excuse. I believe that EVERY CHILD can succeed in math; certainly in 6th grade math. Students who are behind in foundational math skills need to work harder now, so that the extra investment in time helps them gain confidence. The increased confidence will enable these students to go farther in math than they ever dreamed.
Students who don't need to think about basic math facts are able to focus on the new, more complex, ideas presented in class. If your student takes 3 or more seconds to come up with the answer to 7 x 5, then she isn't listening to what's happening next. He isn't able to devote analytical resources to the real task at hand. If your student spends just 5 minutes per night for a couple weeks on mastering this skill, the payoff will be immense.
If you ask your students what happens in class when they ask a question, they will tell you I usually answer their question with a question. I rarely give them an answer. In asking them a question, instead of providing an answer, it engages students more in the learning process. The more students participate in their learning the more that learning is "burned in". By all means, help them with their homework, but ask them if they've looked at the book, their notes, their top docs, this site. Ask them to explain what they do know about the concept. See if you can guide them to the answer. This is much harder than just giving them the answer, but it will pay off in the long run.
Is her homework neat and orderly? Is all of his work on the page without skipping steps? Is she answering the questions asked? Can he explain why he did what he did? Is it done?
Just kidding!