It's hard enough for elementary/middle school kids to find the right study habits, particularly when it comes to subjects like math that require bouts of uninterrupted concentration. But are parents helping or hindering them?
1. Where is your child doing their math homework?
Conventional wisdom states that kids need a quiet and calm environment in which to do their homework, but some children just aren’t conventional. The key is to try different locations: a quiet room, a busy family room, at the library... and see what works best for your child.
2. Where are you when they’re doing their math homework?
A preschooler may like to have mom directly next to him to admire his/her work. This may or may not be true for an older child. It may be possible that they appreciate a parent nearby when math homework is particularly hard. So it may be beneficial to your office, the kitchen, or the garage to do their homework while you get on with your work.
3. Are you doing the homework for your child?
It’s tempting to momentarily ease your child’s maths worries by “over-helping” them with their homework. Just because you don't actually write down the answers for your child doesn't mean you're not doing most of the work for him/her. Try to get your child to do most of the talking when you’re helping them. If students get stuck, try going back to a question they did successfully and explain how they did it. Then have them re-read the problem and start by writing down what they understood.
On the other hand, if you don't understand how to solve your child's math homework, don't be afraid to say so. Write a note or otherwise inform the teacher that your child needs help with that particular problem or section.
4. Do you know how your child feels about maths?
As a parent you’ll have a general idea of whether your child actually likes maths or not, but it’s worth talking to your child regularly about how they feel about their maths teacher, the current topic, and what they like or don’t like about maths.
5. Has your child memorized their maths facts?
Maths homework is always going to be a drag if your child is struggling with the basics. Imagine being asked to drive a racing car if you haven’t yet learned how to drive. Don’t assume that your just because your child is a teen/preteen, that they are confident with basic arithmetic.
6. Are you bringing maths into everyday life?
Look out for the maths in your everyday life, such as making gift choices, grocery shopping, balancing a budget, and share these examples and problems with your child.
7. Can you make maths fun for your child?
Math homework may not always be fun, but if there is an opportunity to do some fun maths, then seize it! For example, if your child needs to do a survey and draw a chart, drive them to that busy shopping mall to get responses and pull out the glitter pens to make their survey shine.
***On a more personal note, hope everyone is having a happy holiday season! We'll see you back in a few days!
