If things are just not adding up for parents helping their children with math amid Wisconsin’s stay-at-home order, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh math faculty have the solution.
“If you are struggling to work through a math problem with your child, embrace the struggle,” said Amy Parrott, a UW Oshkosh associate professor with research specialties in mathematics education and mathematical ecology.
She recommends taking your time and not quickly running to give the solution or show an “easier way” to get the answer.
“Math is not simply rules or procedures to follow, but ways to think about and work through problems,” Parrott said. “The learning takes place within the struggle to solve a problem. Often, even if the method seems like a long route to get from one point to another, the long road helps your child deeply understand and make connections among the math concepts.”
When most people think about math, they think about working out a problem with pencil and paper. But talking it through also can work.
Parrott said most problems in life are solved by groups of people; math is no different.
UWO math professor Jennifer Szydlik focusses on fostering mathematical habits of mind.
She suggests asking your children the following questions: Can you tell me how you’ve solved similar problems? How big do you expect the answer to be (if the answer is numeric)? Why does it make sense to do it that way?
“Always give lots of thinking time,” Szydlik said. “Watch a clock and wait at least 30 seconds before prompting your child. Mathematicians are slow, careful thinkers. Fast is not better.”
Additional tips for working on math at home:
- Use objects at home to help you think. All students, including those in high school, need models to help them understand. Paper clips, marshmallows, noodles, sticks, coins, crayons and string are all good for making models.
- If you are completely stuck, reach out to your child’s teacher for help.
- Sometimes changing the scenery makes all the difference. Go outside and use chalk to do math on your sidewalk or sit on a blanket out in the sunshine.
- Check out parent resources at https://www.youcubed.org/resource/parent-resources/
- Kahn Academy YouTube videos are good resources for algebra and geometry topics.
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