Strategies for Math Success

Use manipulatives. They can be coins, circular dots, algebra tiles—any objects used to represent pieces of a math puzzle. Why do they help? "Manipulatives show students something physical. Research has found that many students need concrete representations of math concepts," Dr. Bavaria explains.

Do real-life problem-solving. Inserting real-life scenarios into math problems is another way to make math tangible. Find examples in every day life. For instance, if you’re cooking and want to double a recipe or divide it in half, have your child figure out how to make these changes. Or, turn a trip to the grocery store into a math lesson: Ask your child to estimate the cost of the total grocery bill, tallying up the cost of individual items as you go.

Have your child come up with his own math problems. This strategy, while similar to creating real-life scenarios for math problems, takes it one step further. "It shows not only that students can solve a problem, but that they truly understand the concept behind it," Dr. Bavaria explains.

Try a reward system. While practicing multiplication may not be your child’s idea of summer fun, using a simple reward system may help him stay motivated. You can start by setting specific weekly or bi-weekly goals, and granting a special treat if established goals are met satisfactorily.

Practice, practice, practice. "In math, efficiency comes with practice," Dr. Bavaria says. How much practice is needed outside of the regular school year depends on a child’s grasp of grade-appropriate math skills. For students who are behind, Dr. Bavaria recommends intensive daily practice of up to 40 minutes a day. For those who simply need to keep their math skills sharp during the summer, Dr. Bavaria advises between 15 and 30 minutes of practice per day. If a short attention span or schedule conflict makes it difficult to do the practice session in one sitting, try breaking it up into 15-minute intervals. What really counts, says Dr. Bavaria, is this: "Having a routine and sticking to it."

Know when to get a third party involved. You have the best of intentions for your child. But lots of things can get in the way. Perhaps you’ve forgotten all but the most basic of math skills you learned as a child, and even those are being taught differently today. Or maybe you, like countless other parents, clash with your child when it comes to teaching math.

Regardless of what’s getting in the way, it’s important to recognize if you are not helping your child meet his math goals. Rather than call it quits, solicit outside help from a neutral party.