Helping our children with their homework is part of being a parent. But there are always moments where we doubt ourselves, when we feel helpless. So what should we do during those moments?
Let’s take math, for instance. How many times did an equation that you probably knew back in school turn challenging when your daughter or son asked your input on it? Rest assured: you are not alone.
For starters, there’s a change in teaching approaches. Many – about forty-three states – have adopted “common core”, which is a standard of guidance for schools in providing a more unified educational experience.
If your child’s school is on it, you will notice meetings and hands-on workshops for parents to familiarize themselves with the concept so that they are equipped to assist their children at home.
In a nutshell, what common core tries to achieve is to get students to answer questions from different angles. Instead of math drills, students may use descriptive language or drawings to answer. With younger students, they may use magazine pictures, Play-Doh, or blocks to explain their answers.
You will also see that instead of straightforward math drills, students will be asked to how they can solve the equation multiple ways.
To cite an example, Capistrano unified school district recently completed a series of 12 night meetings, called Math University, to show parents ways to help their children. Attendance ranged from 35 to 140 parents.
“A lot of parents said, ‘This makes sense now from what I’m hearing from my child ,” said Jennifer Smalley, a principal at Aliso Viejo Middle School.
In the meantime, If you have questions about common core or other education-related questions, we are here to help! Just call or drop us an email.