What is the best way to support my child’s learning in math over the summer?

1. Set a consistent schedule: Establish a regular schedule for math practice. It doesn't have to be extensive, but consistent short sessions can be effective. Determine a specific time during the day or week dedicated to math activities, ensuring your child knows when to expect it.  Morning hours, when your child is most accustomed to schoolwork and most cognitively sharp, may be optimal.  Drawing from the school’s summer skills practice at the same time helps!

 

2. Make it fun: Incorporate games, puzzles, and hands-on activities to make math enjoyable for your child. There are numerous online resources, mobile apps, and board games that offer interactive and entertaining ways to practice math skills. Encourage your child to explore and engage with these resources.

 

3. Real-world math: Help your child see the relevance of math in everyday life by incorporating real-world examples. Involve them in activities that require math skills, such as measuring ingredients for cooking, calculating expenses while shopping, or solving math problems related to a personal interest or hobby.   

 

4. Math-related books and videos: Introduce your child to math-related books, videos, or documentaries that present mathematical concepts in an engaging manner. Look for age-appropriate resources that align with your child's interests. These materials can spark curiosity and deepen their understanding of math.

 

5. Online resources and tutorials: Utilize online math resources and tutorials that offer interactive lessons and practice exercises. Websites like IXL, Khan Academy, Math Playground, and Math is Fun provide a wide range of math topics and grade levels. Your child can work through lessons at their own pace and receive immediate feedback.

 

6. Math apps: Explore educational math apps that provide a gamified learning experience. Many apps offer adaptive learning, personalized challenges, and progress tracking. Some popular math apps include Prodigy, Mathletics, and Photomath.

 

7. Encourage problem-solving: Engage your child in problem-solving activities that promote critical thinking and logical reasoning. Provide math puzzles, riddles, or brain teasers for them to solve. Encourage them to approach problems from different angles and to explain their thought process.

 

8. Seek out summer math programs: Look for summer math programs or camps offered by local educational institutions, libraries, or community centers. These programs often provide structured math activities and may include group projects, competitions, or workshops.

 

9. Communicate with teachers: Reach out to your child's math teacher to gain insight into specific areas where your child may need additional support or practice. The teacher may be able to provide recommended resources or suggest specific topics to focus on during the summer. Using the NWEA results for this can also be helpful!

 

10. Be supportive and positive: Create a supportive environment where your child feels encouraged and motivated to learn math. Celebrate their progress and offer praise for their effort. Math can sometimes be challenging, so it's important to maintain a positive attitude and reinforce that mistakes are part of the learning process.

 

Remember, it's crucial to balance structured math activities with opportunities for relaxation, play, and exploration during the summer. Providing a supportive and engaging environment will help your child maintain their math skills while still enjoying their summer break.