8th Grade Math

Tried That Already?

By the end of middle school parents might feel they have tried every trick in the book to help their child get the most out of their lessons. Fear not! Here is a new set of strategies that you might not have thought of yet!

Tried That: Studying for long periods of time - "cramming for a test"

Try This: Break the study sessions into smaller, more focused sessions.

Take one topic at a time to review and/or practice. This means making sure you have enough time before a test - perhaps more than a week - to prepare.

Tried That: Using repetition or flashcards to memorize facts and phrases

Try This: Using notes to create a script or sequence for a type of problem that your child can read out loud to help lead through multi step problems.

Math word problems are written upside down. The main topic or question is usually at the end. Most students don’t actually read that far. Having them focus on the question will help them sort out the rest of the problem.

Tried That: Re-reading material

Try This: Quizzing yourself on new material is a far more effective way to really learn a skill than just re-reading it. Try getting your student to explain it to a friend, or even say it to themselves in the mirror!

Incredible Shrinking Notes! Click the title to learn about this fun study strategy.

Tried That: Asking your student, “Do you understand?”

Try This: Try “Teach me what you learned today," instead. Once students have finished an activity. Ask them to teach you what they have learned. Ask them questions as if you were confused or need clarification. Not only are you modeling these great questioning strategies, you are forcing them to think more deeply and making the lesson more concrete.