HomeNewsAboutCommunitiesSearchSchoolsInteractGatewayHelp
  What's New?   

How Can I Help?

To help your child it is important that you understand some of the new ideas behind the changes. You don't need to be an expert to help your child to learn.

DIFFERENT METHODS ARE OK

There are different methods of 'doing' mathematics no one method is correct. For example, a child might be asked to work out how much pocket money they have left if they buy a special item.

The mathematical tool being used is subtraction; the way of doing it may be different from the way you were taught.

A parent might ask:

'Should I be insisting that my child does it like this:
or should I accept something like this?' (spoken out)
equation "18 and 2 more is 20, plus 10 makes 30, plus 4 more makes 34: so the answer is 2 plus 10 plus 4 equals 16."


Both are right, and there are many other ways. Any method that helps to solve a problem is useful and valid.

EVERY DAY EXAMPLES

The phrase'meaningful contexts' starts off the wording for each achievement objective. It means that children should learn mathematics through everyday problems which have meaning to them.

Children will be discussing more, carrying out practical activities and experiments and working in groups.

In fact, they will be doing the things that adults do when they apply mathematical skills in their work and home life.

So, when you are trying to help your child with their homework, use everyday examples.

ENCOURAGEMENT IS BETTER

Children respond to positive praise and encouragement. They may not get the answer correct the first time around. If they are genuinely trying to work out the mathematical problems, they need to be encouraged to keep working at it, and they do need to get the correct answer eventually.

ASK YOUR CHILD

Ask your child to explain to you how he or she went about solving mathematical problems.

If they are speaking about the data they are collecting, trying to work out the best method of tackling the problem, and communicating about it, they are dealing with all the mathematical processes.

ATTEND PARENTS' MEETINGS

Many schools have been running sessions for parents on the mathematics curriculum. Take advantage of these when they occur.

The mathematics advisers from your local teacher support services also organise parent information evenings from time to time. Your school will have information about these occasions.

ASK YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER

Schools are now adapting their reporting methods to keep them in line with the new curriculum statements, so you should be able to receive specific information on how your child is progressing.

return to the index