How to help with Math

Shelley Wong – Department Head of Mathematics

Teachers of Mathematics

Julie Vukasovic, Susan Hawes, Jim Pickering,

Nadine Jasquith, Robert Dares, Claudia Secareanu

Helping with Math….

• Organization

• Parent Support

• Strategies

Organization

• Have the proper supplies:

• Binder

• Pencils

• Ruler (metric)

• Eraser

• Scientific Calculator

• Graph paper

• Lined paper

• Agenda or electronic calendar

More organization..• Show up on time

• The first five minutes are crucial in the lesson

• Catch up on missed classes

• Buddy

• See the teacher prior to next class

• Check online (Edmodo, D2L, Twitter, Facebook)

• Keep a calendar

• Dates of all quizzes and tests

• Assignment due dates

• Homework list each day

Organization at home:

• Have a quiet, distraction-free place to work

• Have all your “tools” available

• Put away all electronic devices not needed for the activity

• Schedule work EVERY evening – homework or review

Parent Support….

• Keep a positive attitude – your child did not inherit your experiences

• Check homework daily

• Talk about what is going on in Math class

• Have them explain HOW they did the work in their notebook

• They should be able to use words, diagrams, formulas, graphs, charts as well as calculations

• Check to see that they have attempted ALL questions

• Ask them for specifics, if they indicate they are struggling

Parent Support…

• Look at tests and quizzes – if you have concerns please contact the teacher

• Review areas of difficulty – possibly content from previous grades

• Math is like a pyramid – a strong foundation is necessary for success at higher grades

• Please follow the process modelled in the notebook – the way WE learned

may not be the same

Student Strategies…

• Pay attention and think about what the teacher is saying; don’t just copy the

notes.

• As for HELP from a teacher, tutor, friend, family member

• Look up vocabulary you don’t understand

• Persevere…

• Set meaningful, attainable goals

Benefit of using calculators in the Math classroom

• Allow students to focus on problem solving rather than basic

calculations

• Optimize the time – take less time to solve problems

• Prepare them for the future (profession, college, or university)

Grade 9

Example of using a calculator:

The radius of a volleyball is 10.2 cm. Calculate the volume of the volleyball.

The formula for volume V = 4𝜋𝑟3

3

Grade 9

Example with no need for a calculator:

Solving linear equations:

2x + 4 = 10

2x + 4 – 4 = 10 – 4

2𝑥

2=

6

2

x = 3

Grade 10

Example of using a calculator:

Trigonometric ratios:

sin 35° =

cos 71° =

Grade 10

Example with no need for a calculator:

Factoring:

x2 + 7x + 12 = (x + 3) (x + 4)

The sum of two numbers is 7

3 + 4 = 7

The product of the same two numbers is 12

How is the use of calculator translated in the

real life situations:

• There are over 100 jobs that require calculators for basic mathematics.

• There are over 40 jobs that require scientific calculators.

• Source: www.xpmath.com

Conclusion

• A balance between the use of calculators and pencil-and-paper is needed in

the classroom

• The use of calculators can enhance a math classroom and prepare students

for the future

Other Strategies…

• A healthy breakfast is key – no sugar!!

• Tired students cannot learn

• Study groups can help – allow your son or daughter to get together with

classmates, either in person or online

• Encourage your son or daughter to discuss concerns with their teacher –

build confidence, initiative, and self-advocacy

Extra Help?

• Counting on You – sign up for our free after-school program

• Peer Tutoring – after school on Wednesdays in room 301

• Extra help from individual teachers – at lunch, by appointment

• Homework Help

• EQAO support – www.eqao.com – Parent Resources

Next steps….

• Attend our Parent Session on “Pathways” – Monday – April 27, 2015

• Pizza at 6:30

• Presentation by Guidance staff at 7:00

• Review course choices in MyBlueprint.ca

• If you have concerns at midterm report (April 17, 2015), please contact your son or daughter’s teacher or guidance counsellor