P4 math workshop
- 1. P4 Mathematics Text What can you do at home?
- 2. How to help your child with mathematics Communicate with the teacher If you see that your child is struggling with a concept, send a note to the teacher or send an email to discuss your concern If you notice progress, share that good news with the teacher Ask your child to explain Encourage your child to teach you the day’s mathematics lesson Ask questions about the steps your child uses to solve problems such as “Why did you put that number there?” or “What does that zero mean?”
- 3. How to help your child with mathematics Use questions to help instead of giving children answers, help them discover the answers for themselves by asking prompting questions such as these: Have you seen problems like this before? Is there an example that might help you figure this out? what is the problem asking you to do or to find? What is one idea you have for finding an answer? Can you draw a picture of the problem? Can you show the problem using counters (coins, beans, pencils, etc.)?
- 4. How to help your child with mathematics Be accepting of mistakes Let your child know that every mistake is an opportunity to learn Ask your child to explain the process they used to find the answer and praise them for the correct steps or thought process Allow them another opportunity to solve a similar problem using their new understanding Play math games Store bought games that involve mathematical thinking will help your child master skills learned at school I have a list for you to take home today
- 5. How to help your child with mathematics Share real-life mathematics situations Think about ways that you can use math in your everyday life - at work, at the store, at the bank, in the kitchen, and so on Invite your child to observe or participate in these activities with you encourage your child to think mathematically about common activities such as folding laundry or taking out the garbage - How many socks in 12 pairs? About how many pounds/kilos does a bag of trash weigh?
- 6. How to help your child with mathematics Give gifts that encourage mathematical exploration Children love gifts that challenge their minds A mathematics related gift is a good way to reinforce and reward your child’s accomplishments Some ideas: a watch, a timer, an hour glass, egg timer, a calendar, a tape measure, a calculator, pattern blocks, brainteasers, 3-D building kits, puzzles, maps, etc...