The mission of the Troutman Middle School math department is to foster a collaborative learning community where teachers, students, and families work together to build strong mathematical foundations and empower every learner to grow in confidence and achievement.

Math can be challenging at times, so our goal is to create a supportive math community by offering helpful answers and resources to common questions and concerns families may have. Below, you will find a few tips and resources for a successful partnership. 

Parent Conversation Starters

Parent Involvement is so important for a strong academic community. Involvement can come in many forms. One of the easiest ways to stay involved is by talking with your child about their day and helping them reflect on what they learned. These guiding questions help your child reflect on their day.  Great for any subject area!

1. What is one thing you learned today that you could teach me? 

2. What is the most interesting thing you learned today?

3. What is one thing you did great today?

4. One is one positive from today?  One improvement for tomorrow?

5. What goals do you have? What did you do today to work towards reaching that goal?

You're Not Alone: 

Questions & Comments We Hear Most

1. Why can't the "old way" of math be taught? 

The "old way" is taught in conjunction with the "new ways". The new math, sometimes refered to as Common Core math, focuses on conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and how to use in the real-world over just memorization. New math shows multiple ways of solving/analyzing a problem, aiming to reach all learners. Here is a resource for a better understanding of old Math vs. New Math.

2. "I'm not good at math, therefore my child is not good at math."

There is zero scientific evidence to support this. Research does show that your attitude, mindset, and anxieties about math influence your child's performance. 

3. "I saw my child using AI to solve problems."  

In today’s tech-savvy world, this can be a daily challenge for many families. Have your child put all devices face down and show their work on the problems they have completed. If AI "showed work" write the problems down and flip the work page over have them re-solve some of the problems. Remind the child that AI is not 100% correct. 

4. Answering, "When will I ever use this?"

Middle school math builds the foundational skills and thinking strategies needed for standardized tests, future math courses, and life outside the classroom. 

5. My child says they don't understand the lesson. Another wording often heard is: "My teacher did not teach us this."

At home have your child check their teacher's Canvas page for resources. Use one resources that are linked below to get extra practice and lessons. Encourage them to, kindly, speak up in class, ask questions, and try to explain what they do understand so far. If your child would rather send an email, have them use details to explain what they do understand using correct math vocabulary. The more details the better!!!  

We’ll partner together to make sure they don’t fall behind. 

6. I don’t know how to help with math homework anymore—what should I do?

Focus on asking your child to explain their thinking. Your child is always encouraged to ask for help the next day. We’re a team!

Overcoming Math Anxiety and Building Confidence

-Confidence in math grows with small wins and consistent encouragement

-Play games that use numbers, let them explain their thinking without rushing them, and reassure them that it’s okay to make mistakes

-If your child experiences math anxiety, approach the situation with patience, encouragement, and consistency. 

-In class we work to create a supportive environment where mistakes are seen as part of the learning process. Strategies like breaking tasks into smaller steps, offering alternative ways to show understanding, and giving plenty of time to process are used.

-Parent-teacher communication is important so we can partner on strategies both at home and at school to help your child feel more comfortable.

Legit [linked] Resources

Khan Academy - offers free video lessons, practice problems, and step-by-step explanations from elementary math through college-level

Math is Fun - provides clear explanations of math concepts with diagrams, games, and quizzes.

Great Minds- Eureka Math Parent Resources - Parent tip sheets, homework helpers, and vocabulary guides aligned with the district's math curriculum.

Family Education - Find homework help and skill-building tips in every subject.

6th and 7th Grade Calculator - Need a quick and easy way for your child to check their math work or practice calculations? This online calculator is a helpful tool that students can use for classwork, homework, or extra practice at home. It's simple to use and supports basic operations, decimals, and fractions. This is also the calculator that is used for EOG/EOC testing!

8th Grade (regular math and Math 1) Calculator- Need a quick and easy way for your child to check their math work or practice calculations? This online calculator is a helpful tool that students can use for classwork, homework, or extra practice at home. It's simple to use and supports basic operations, decimals, and fractions. This is also the calculator that is used for EOG/EOC testing!