Five things parents can do to help their child with math

Below, I discuss one of the five important ways that parents can help their child enjoy mathematics and do well in the subject. (1) Have a positive attitude towards mathematics, (2) Emphasize reasoning over memorization, (3) Reading is impactful, (4) Ask open-ended questions, and (5) Play mathematics games and puzzles.
​

Ask open-ended questions

Mathematics may viewed as a subject that always has one correct solution and one best solution strategy. In order for students to develop conceptual understanding for procedural fluency, building mathematical reasoning is essential through seeing multiple strategies for approaching problems. Open-ended questions can develop children’s number sense and help them be adaptable, problem-solvers, and good communicators. Open-ended problems encourage discussion and exploration. They show that mathematics can involve creativity and also demonstrate how mathematics is relevant and realistic.

For example, one open-ended question is how many ways can you represent 28? There are a number of ways to do this and below are just a few.

Students can develop number sense, estimation, and mathematical reasoning through open-ended questions. They can also help students be curious about the world and learn how to problem solve, which is the basis of good mathematical thinking. Making estimations, predictions, and thinking about other ways that daily things can be done can help students do well in mathematics. The table below has examples of open-ended questions that parents could discuss with their child. Mathematics is not a spectator sport and children should get used to the idea of being an active learner for mathematics.