Nurture the study of math by:

• Knowing what your child is expected to learn about math in school. Contact your child’s teacher to find out the concepts your child should master. Ask the teacher for more tips on helping your child understand these concepts.

• Fostering a homework routine. Because each new math skill builds on the one before, regular practice is important to success. Ask your child’s teacher how much nightly practice is appropriate, and encourage your child to follow the teacher’s guidelines. Help your child find a good time and place for homework.

• Asking your child questions about his math work. Some good examples: “How did you arrive at that answer?” “Look at this page of problems. Can you see a pattern?” Understanding concepts is actually more important than getting the right answer.

• Using practical math at home whenever possible. Your child may not realize how great a role math plays in everyday life. For example, ask him how much money he thinks he will need for dinner and a movie with his friends.

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