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Many parents struggle with helping their child(ren) with solving math word problems.
Following are some strategies and key questions that you can share with your child as you work together to solve word problems. Keep in mind that different problems may call for different strategies and, depending on your child’s learning style, some strategies may or may not be helpful.
Read and work to understand the problem.
Ask your child to read the problem aloud.
Suggest that s/he try ignoring the numbers at first and focus on the story.
Try to find a way for your child to relate to the problem.
Can s/he rewrite or retell the problem in his/her own words?
Can s/he use a formula that s/he already knows?
Look for and highlight clues and key words.
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Is your child struggling with one or more of the following?
Simplification of algebraic expressions, exponential expressions, radicals, absolute values, factoring and expanding expressions, finding the LCM and FCF, rationalizing complex denominators, solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, using Cramer’s rule and solving linear expressions, graphing curves including parabolas, hyperbolas, circles, ellipses, equation and inequality solutions, operations with functions, simplifying logarithms, basic geometry and trigonometry, linear algebra, etc.
Successfully passing algebra coursework in order to meet graduation requirements is a challenge for many upper level students. Many algebra students need specific help with homework. Some can benefit from a quick way to check their work to see that they understand concepts. Others are barely able to keep up and need specific help reviewing step-by-step procedures.
Concerns about algebra grades are a common issue for students in public and private schools, and although educators and experts are working to solve common learning issues with algebra classes, their proposed solutions will not help the student who needs help NOW.
You and your child may be pleased to find out that s/he can receive help with algebra homework in 5 minutes!
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Many bright and capable students are underachievers in the area of writing due to challenges relating to handwriting mechanics and penmanship, difficulty with organization of information and ideas, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and/or reading. Significant difficulty in only one academic area can have a major impact on a student’s academic performance. Similarly, minor problems in multiple academic areas can also result in significant problems with literacy assignments.
In todays classrooms, students should not have to struggle with writing and re-writing an assignment if graphomotor skills are an issue, and penmanship is not the purpose of a writing assignment. Additionally, if spelling, grammar and/or punctuation interfere with the writing process, it is advisable to allow a child to focus on the purpose of the writing assignment first. Improving other skills, can be the focus on another assignment. Read more on Ten Technology Tools to Improve Literacy…
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Homework issues are a common topic of discussion among parents. The goal of many parents is to simply learn strategies to support their child with issues that affect homework success while facilitating important life skills. Previous posts have discussed study, organization, time-management and academic skills. Today’s post will focus on strategies to help with four additional issues affecting homework success:
- Perfectionism
- Overload
- Inflexibility
- Anxiety
Perfectionism
- Observe specific actions/issues that interfere with completion of homework and address one issue at a time with your child before doing homework.
- Review the purpose of a task with your child before s/he begins work.
- A timer and a specific amount of time to do a task helps some children who spend too much time with reviewing, revising, rewriting, or sitting and “thinking”
- Sometimes simply asking the right question might help: “Can you finish your work in less time today and still do quality work?
- Give less choices and/or make choices for your child, when appropriate.
Read more on Strategies and Solutions to Common Homework Issues – Part 3…
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Homework issues often have more to do with lack of effective organization, study and time management skills that a lack of academic ability. Parents can help their children to be more responsible, independent and successful students by working together to reduce distractions and to facilitate more effective use of homework and home study time.
Reduce Distractions
- Enforce a family “quiet time” to reduce distractions.
- Create a special homework area away from distractions.
- Discover your child’s learning style and preferences to help with problem-solving.
- A drink and healthy snack after school, before doing homework, can improve concentration.
- Children who take medication to help with focus may need a later dose of meds to help with focus during homework time too.
- Some children are able to concentrate better if they have a little time to play before beginning their work.
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