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.
Key words for addition:
increased by,
more than,
combined,
together,
total of,
sum,
added to,

Key words for subtraction:
minus,
less,
less than,
fewer than,
reduced by,
decreased by,
difference between/of

Key words for multiplication:
of,
times,
multiplied by,
product of,
Key words for division:
per,
a,
out of,
ratio of,
quotient of,
percent (divide by 100)

Sort needed information from distracting information.
Cross out all information that is not needed.

Identify the problem and ask key questions.
What information do you already know?
What else do you need to know in order to answer the question?

Visualize the problem.
Draw and label a sketch of this problem.
Make a list.
Make a table or graph.

Translate the information into a math equation.

Guess
Predict the answer using the information provided before solving the problem.

Solve and check
Work out the problem one step at a time.
Asks/he pay attention to units?

Encourage your child to reflect on the process of solving this problem. Can s/he come up with a rule that will help with solving similar problems?

Daily life is full of problems that need to be solved. Learning to solve math word problems is a useful skill that relates to real life problem-solving, and is a skill that can improve with practice.

If your child needs help with math, find the best solution for your family.

Read the information below to find out what specialist(s) are qualified to administer, interpret and make suggestions for building skills and/or remediating weak areas.

Vision/Hearing and General Health Assessments: Vision and Hearing Screenings are often available through your child’s school. Medical doctors conduct health and physical exams, and administer vision and hearing tests that can provide additional information after questionable screenings conducted through the schools. Depending on the concerns and severity of sensory issues, some children are referred to vision and hearing specialists.

Occupational Therapy Tests assess a child's motor skills: fine and gross motor, visual-spatial, visual-motor, sensory processing, sensory integration and self-help skills. Occupational therapists are specialists who are trained to observe, test and work with children on remediation of weaknesses in the areas relating to motor, sensory integration and processing.

Physical Therapy Testing: Physical Therapists assess a child’s balance, coordination, movement and muscle strength. Like occupational therapists, physical therapists provide remediation in the areas they assess.

Emotional/Behavioral Tests are designed to assess a child’s emotional, behavioral and social functioning. Observations, interviews, behavior and rating scales, and drawings are some of the methods used by psychologists to assess a child’s functioning in this area.

A lack of familiarity with testing terminology combined with other unknowns relating to the testing process make it an extra challenge for parents to make good decisions for their child(ren). This information is simply an introduction to some of many testing instruments and specialists who may be able to help you to help your child to achieve his/her potential.

If you need to find a tutor for your child, compare solutions and decide which is best for your family.

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!

Softmath.com has developed Algebrator – a unique algebra software program designed to help students with algebra homework. Algebrator is available for download through the TutorsAnywhere.com website. This intuitive, user-friendly software program helps students with algebra homework while fostering a deeper understanding of basic mathematics.

Parents who struggle to help their children through algebra coursework may appreciate this “automated tutor” as much as their children. Although designed to help children, algebra teachers are finding this software a useful resource for planning lessons and preparing individualized differentiated (remedial – advanced) student work.

What are the features and benefits of Algebrator software?

• Step-by-step solutions to algebra problems entered by a student
• Interactive user-friendly interface
• An interactive student solution checker and multiple options for checking work
• The option for explanations at each new step
• Graphing/visualizing mode to assist with understanding and reveiw of difficult problems
• A transormation option to help students think through steps to solving problems
• Helpful animated demos and wizards
• The software covers all algebra levels, high school through college level
• You own the software and can use it anytime
• Exceptional tech support from a company that updates and improves their software
• PC (Windows or Vista) and/or Mac (PowerMac – OS X Interface
• A FREE Practical Algebra E-book
• BONUS: 30 minutes of one-on-one tutoring from Tutor.com for FREE

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If your child is in need of a online math tutor, find the best solution for your family.

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. A variety of free online technology tools to help with all areas of literacy are available to anyone who takes time to discover and learn to use these resources.

Spelling and Writing Mechanics

1.  Ghotit
Follow the link below to view a brief movie about an awesome program designed to help students who struggle with spelling and writing.
http://www.ghotit.com/home.shtml

Speech to Text and Text to Speech Tools

2.  Windows Speech Recognition
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/windowsvista/speech.aspx

3.  ReadTheWords
Type a paragraph or message in provided space and choose a male or female avatar to read to you. Listening to his/her written work as it is read aloud is a good way for students to review, revise, edit and improve their work.
http://www.readthewords.com/

4.  WordTalk
“For people with reading and writing difficulties, having text reinforced by hearing it read aloud can be very useful.”
http://www.wordtalk.org.uk/Home/

Graphic Organizers, Online Dictionaries and Summarizers

5.  Interactive Fishbone
is an online graphic organizer that helps students to plan and organize writing assignments.
http://classtools.net/education-games-php/fishbone

6.  Bubbl.us
Brainstorm online with this mindmapping tool.
http://bubbl.us/

7.  OneLook Reverse Dictionary
Enter a definition, and let the dictionary find the word/words that you need.
http://www.onelook.com/reverse-dictionary.shtml

8.  Visual Thesaurus
This online tool is great for learners who benefit from pairing images with text.
http://www.visualthesaurus.com

9.  Text Summarizer
Paste text into the space provided to view reduced/summarized information.
http://www.nling.com/summarizer/

10.  Online Tutoring
Online tutors who are familiar with technology and literacy skills can help you and your child to learn how to make good use of these literacy tools, resulting in inproved grades and increased self-esteem.
http://tutorsanywhere.com

• 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.

Overload

• Help your child with the extra challenge of finding the best way to creatively work a consistent routine and schedule into an already busy family schedule.
• Help your child to plan ahead and “smash a task” into small bits.
• Build brief 5 minute breaks with specific rewards into homework time
• Guide your child to view and work on one assignment at a time until all homework is finished.

Inflexibility

• Communicate and work with your child (and his/her teacher) to discover specific issues that affect homework success.
• Work with your child to establish a homework routine that includes a consistent time and place to work away from distractions
• Communicate with his/her teacher to eliminate vagueness and establish clarity
• Communicate with the teacher about the need (and benefits) to obtain(ing) information about upcoming assignments and new procedures in advance.
• Find ways for your child to incorporate his/her interests into assignments.

with assignments.

Anxiety

• Communicate frequently with your child to discover specific fears and causes of anxiety.
• To help reduce fears, offer reassurance that you understand and will be there to support your child.
• Work with your child to find solutions to problems.
• Establish a homework routine that is predictable and stress-free.
• Establish open communication with your child’s teacher(s).

Many parents find it helpful to establish open communication with their child’s teachers early in the school year. Communicating a positive, cooperative spirit while requesting a meeting before scheduled conferences to discuss homework issues may help solve possible problems early.

If you need to find a tutor for your child, compare solutions and decide which is best for your family.

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.

Teach Organization Skills

• Teach your child that everything has a place and help your child to come up with a system to keep organized.
• Work together to create a specific folder for homework and/or color-coded folders for each class.
• Keep a set of necessary materials for school work in a convenient location.
• Consider purchasing a second set of text books to keep at home.
• Come up with a back-up plan to get assignments after school hours.
• A study-buddy and/or a bookmarked link to classroom website with homework assignments can help set your child up for success.

Facilitate Study Skills

• Teach your child how to break a task into steps.
• Help your child to set specific goals for study times.
• Teach your child to use graphic organizers to plan a writing assignment, and/or how to plan a special project.
• Use color-coded sticky notes and Post-It notes

Promote Time Management Skills

• Specific guidelines, expectations and consistency help children to improve time management at home.
• Checklists, timers and/or an available adult to help when/as needed can help a child who works slower than others to complete their work in less time.
• Working for a pre-determined minimum amount of time on homework, regardless of the assigned task, can help motivate fast workers to slow down.
• Provide choices for the child who finishes work early such as checking work, going above and beyond with an assignment, working ahead on assignments/projects, and/or reading a book/topic of interest.
• Some children are not aware of how/when they are on/off task. Gentle reminders and positive specific feedback can help build awareness.

Establishing open communication with your child’s teacher is another important step toward helping to prepare your child for homework success.

“I can’t remember the word.”
“I forgot.”
“I don’t know.”

Memory
It’s difficult to differentiate weak memory issues from lack of attention. Some children cannot remember because they were not paying attention. Others can’t remember even when they do pay attention. A child can have an excellent long-term memory but weakness with short-term and/or working memory. Word retrieval and/or trying to find the right word can be frustrating and can affect homework completion.

“I don’t like to be by myself.”
“Watch me _________.”

Social Learner
Some children are able to concentrate better in a room with a closed door. Others are more productive if they are around people, the sound of a parent working in the kitchen, and/or background music.
That’s not how we did it last year.”
“No!” “I won’t.” “I can’t.”

Inflexible
Some children are less tolerant of new situations,than others, and are easily frustrated. Transitions from school to home,from one task to another, and/or sudden transitions or unplanned changes in their routine may be an extra challenge that interferes with homework completion.

“My teacher doesn’t even look at our work.”
“Can I talk to you while I work?”

Need for Confirmation
Some children are more motivated by feedback from their parents and teachers than others. All children can benefit from specific feedback on their finished work and effort. Giving feedback does not need to take a large amount of time or effort.

“I don’t want to ride the bus.”
“What if my teacher is not there again.”
“ Can I stay home?”

Anxiety
It is not uncommon for children to experience “back to school jitters” and/or anxiety about any number of situations relating to school. Some children experience more intense internal and/or external anxiety than others. Working with your child to discover causes of anxiety is an important first step.

This article is part 3 in a series about complaints of chidren about homework. Future blog posts will offer strategies and solutions to homework issues.

What is your child telling you through his/her words and actions during homework time?

“It hurts my hand to write.”
“Will you write it for me?”

Writing Mechanics and Penmanship
Many children develop a habit of holding their pencil with an awkward grip. The way a child holds a pencil, his/her posture and fluency or lack of writing fluency can have an effect on learning and motivation, especially as writing demands increase.

“Can’t do it.”
“Don’t know.”

Written Expression
Some children are minimalists. They communicate what they need in three words or less as often as possible orally and in written form. Some children who have an exceptional oral vocabulary are minimalists when it comes to writing. Carefully listening to a child as s/he engages in a conversation can help adults to discover strengths and weak areas in written language expression.

“How do you spell ________?”
“Did I spell it right?”

Spelling
Children who struggle with spelling need extra understanding.These children may pass their weekly spelling tests but fail to transfer spelling patterns and rules when writing.

“It’s not good enough.”
“It’s not right.”

Perfectionism
Good students may spend and inordinate amount of time erasing, recopying and rewriting work in order to get it perfect. Some children sit and think for a long period of time before beginning a task. S/he may avoid turning in homework because it is not reflective of his/her true ability.

“Is tonight the night that we don’t have to do something?”
“That’s way too much work!”

Overload
Over-scheduled children can feel overwhelmed and overloaded when they have one more thing to do. For some children, regardless of the family schedule, any amount of work might feel overwhelming.

Recent blog posts have included common complaints of children about homework. Come back soon to read about additional homework issues and solutions. Please feel free to share some of your child’s specific complaints that might be similar or different from kid quotes/complaints included in recent blog articles.

If you are tutoring an ESL student, it is important to keep in mind the unique challenges that she faces. This is particularly true when you are helping with a writing assignment. In order to help an ESL student write a clear paper — and to boost her confidence in her own English-writing abilities — consider implementing the following advice.

Before you begin the session, discuss goals. This piece of advice is applicable to any tutoring session, of course. But it's particularly important when working with a student whose first language is not English. Just diving into the paper can be overwhelming; instead of jumping into the assignment without any preface or context, explain what you hope to accomplish together. For example, if you plan to help the student restructure her paper, let her know that. If you are just proofreading for grammar (and thereby helping her understand English grammar rules), let her know that, too. Having this discussion at the outset allows the two of you to set a clear goal, and to make certain that the goal has been accomplished by the end of the session.

Ask the student to tell you what his paper is about. Don't read through the paper and then tell the student, "I think your paper is about ________." If you do this, you won't be giving the student the opportunity to share with you his intended purpose for the paper. Additionally a student with limited English proficiency may just accept what you think the paper is about, rather than trying to express his intended meaning. If the actual content of the paper seems divergent from what the student says the paper is about, the two of you can work together to better align the written content with the proposed idea.

Focus on the "big picture." If a student is writing in a language other than her first (home) language, the likelihood of small errors is very good. Unless she is asking help for a grammar assignment, however, don't spend time going over the minutiae of every single stray punctuation mark or misspelled word. This sort of micro-focus can be discouraging to a student who is in the process of acquiring English as a second language. Focus on the big ideas of the paper instead. If you read the paper aloud to the student, do not hesitate or stumble over small errors. Your fluent reading will help the student "hear" her ideas and make sure that they sound right to her.

There are many resources available to ESL students and their tutors. To find an expert in your area (or online), take a look at the information here.

Listen, pay attention, gather clues, and if it helps, record your child’s exact words relating to homework. A pattern of complaints can help you and your child to identify problems. Recognizing reasons children avoid homework can lead to successful strategies and solutions.

“I left my books at school.”

Organization
Some children leave a trail of things behind them at school, at home, and wherever they go. They might leave a well-done finished assignment at home or forget to take it out of their backpack and turn it in the next morning. These same children may or may not find it challenging to organize their thinking and written work.

”I don’t know how to begin.”

Study Skills
Getting started might be the biggest challenge for some children. Others need help with planning and carrying out their work from beginning to end.

“I’m finished, can I go out to play?”
“It takes me too long to do my homework.”

Time Management
Some children work faster and/or slower than others. If homework is consistently taking too much time, it is a good idea to seek to understand the reason(s). Some children tend to work too quickly and fail to complete quality work. Making good use of work time is a skill that children can learn.

“Homework is boring.”
“I know all the answers, what’s the point?”
Motivation
Many children use the word “boring” when they don’t want to do a task because they would rather do something else. Others use this excuse because the work is too hard. Homework that is consistently too easy and/or tedious can be a problem for children who want/need to be challenged.

“I can’t think.”
“It’s too noisy.”

Distractions
For some children, any noise is distracting. Movement, smells, bright lights, air temperature, interesting objects nearby and/or a hungry stomach can also affect a child’s ability to concentrate. Anything in the child’s environment can be a potential distraction.

“I don’t understand the directions.”
“What?”

Processing Weakness
Some children, due to a weakness in language and/or auditory processing, may not understand directions. Some children choose to not do homework rather than let others know that they did not understand the directions and/or concepts.

Remind yourself to listen to your child as s/he talks about homework. Is it possible that a child avoids homework because of more than one reason? Yes. Is it possible that a child might use a general complaint that is difficult to interpret? Sure. How about this one?

“My dog ate my homework assignment.”