Math Homework Blues

One of the greatest fears for students of all grades is subject based:

Math.

Many students joke that math is one of our language's "four letter words," a word only uttered in anger or jest...never seriously. How can we as parents and educators change this? Here are a few tips to at least keep the monster at bay.

1. Keep a positive outlook about math yourself! Describe math as "useful" or "helpful," not "horrible" or "impossible".

2. Engage in "math dialogue" on a daily basis...talk with your child or student about how you used math today, how you'll use it tomorrow, and how it is beneficial.

3. Use the computer! Find fun games and worksheets online for practice. Try the Worksheet Library for a great start!

4. Avoid melt-downs by providing breaks as necessary. If a student routinely becomes frustrated by math, don't let his or her negative emotions dictate how he or she feels about math!

5. Find free online tutorials like this one from AOL that provide fun opportunities to practice the skills necessary for strong mathematical foundation.

For more tips on how to help your child or student develop as a problem solver, visit the Math Work Center and turn the monster into the leader of the pack!