Parents,
This is going to sound like a strange request . . . but please don't do these things:
I know that you want to help your child; I do, too. To that end, I have some suggestions that will be quite helpful:
L. Bailey
This is going to sound like a strange request . . . but please don't do these things:
- help with homework by working problems'
- help with homework by explaining how to work problems,
- check your child's work and make corrections,
- use Google or a math app to look up how to solve a problem,
- allow your student to use Google or a math app to look up how to solve a problem.
I know that you want to help your child; I do, too. To that end, I have some suggestions that will be quite helpful:
- Ask your child to explain to you how to work a problem;
- Ask your child to use his/her math notes to explain how to work a problem;
- When you notice errors in work, do advise your child to go through the work, again, but don't tell him/her what is wrong. Finding and correcting one's own errors is a powerfully effective learning tool.
- If possible, and when needed, bring your child to school early for help on Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday mornings between 7:45 and 8:30. I have walk-in tutoring/help those mornings in my room. Your child has a pass in his/her folder for that purpose.
- If he/she ever says anything related to a negative expectation, such as 'can't', or 'don't', remind him/her to include the word, 'yet', because no one understands everything on the first (or second!) attempt, but persistence will cure all confusions. Guaranteed.
L. Bailey