Helpful Things to Say When Your Child Asks for Help with Math Homework:
1. Does this remind you of other problems?
2. What have you come up with so far?
3. Where do you think you should start?
4. What is the problem asking you to do?
5. Would a drawing or diagram help?
6. How can I help you without giving you the solution?
If all you receive in response to the previous questions is, "I DON'T KNOW!!", it may help to go over our model of problem solving that I reinforce continually in class. It is as follows:
Understand the Problem:
- What information am I given?
- What am I asked to do?
- Do I need to follow a certain order when working out the problem?
- What do I already know?
Make a Plan:
- What strategy will I use to solve the problem?
- How can I modify the problem?
Carry Out the Plan (Solve):
- Try out one of the various strategies for solving the problem.
- Show all work!
- Write and label the answer clearly.
Look Back (Check):
- Did this strategy work for me?
- How can I check my answer?
- Should I try another strategy?
- Did I fully answer the question?
- Is my answer reasonable?
**If your child is really struggling with the homework, please send a note to me, and I will certainly provide any extra assistance needed.
Thank you for your support!