Many children today are discouraged in math, lose interest and do not do well.
This is a real concern. To better understand why some students struggle, we need to know why some students do well.
Successful students believe that math is a valuable subject worth knowing. Learning math is not a waste of time and will help us in our everyday lives. This belief is necessary for our children to work hard, and parents can help by always being positive about math.
Successful students want to do well in math. They are not content with just getting by. They have high but realistic expectations for themselves, they set goals and they work hard to achieve them.
Parents can support their child with setting goals for success in math.
Successful students believe they have the ability to do well. They have the skills, knowledge and positive attitude necessary to succeed. They have support and encouragement at home to continue to learn and move ahead.
Successful students are engaged in math.
• They listen to their teacher and classmates,
• ask and answer questions,
• discuss math with classmates and teachers,
• participate cooperatively in groups,
• do homework,
• study for tests an,
• come to school prepared.
Parents can definitely help with this.
Successful students like math. It is fun, challenging and active. Their effort and work are recognized and valued. Parents can be interested in math activities and work with their child on homework and studying.
Students who value math, who want to and believe they can do well, and who are engaged, end up liking math, and they will work hard to succeed.
This is motivation!
Problem of the Week:
Jordan, Jim and J.J got some pizza. Jordan was really hungry, Jim had a stomach ache and J.J was okay. How much pizza did they get?
Greg Sparks, M.Ed, is a retired Adult Upgrading Instructor, Special Education Resource Teacher, Classroom Teacher, and Elementary Numeracy Coordinator.
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