ENOURAGING PROBLEM SOLVING:
Assorted Do's, Don't's, Sugestions & Wild Ideas for Parents
1. DON'T think you have to be "good at math" to encourage your child(ren) to think or to help them with their math, especially their thinking skills.
2. DON'T tell math "horror stories" or brag about being bad at math.
3. DO show that you are willing to learn and try new things, too.
4. DON'T rule out Trial and Error as a Problem Solving technique.
5. Reinforce (you may have to remind yourself) that confusion or "getting stuck" is frequently part of the process, and is OK!
6. Look for ways to promote curiosity, creativity, and thinking skills.
7. DON'T worry about using calculators.
8. Get your child to explain his/her math assignment to YOU occasionally.
9. DO come visit and participate with your child during class.
10. DO communicate with your child(ren) and their teachers on a regular basis.
1. DON'T think you have to be "good at math" to encourage your child(ren) to think or to help them with their math, especially their thinking skills.
2. DON'T tell math "horror stories" or brag about being bad at math.
3. DO show that you are willing to learn and try new things, too.
4. DON'T rule out Trial and Error as a Problem Solving technique.
5. Reinforce (you may have to remind yourself) that confusion or "getting stuck" is frequently part of the process, and is OK!
6. Look for ways to promote curiosity, creativity, and thinking skills.
7. DON'T worry about using calculators.
8. Get your child to explain his/her math assignment to YOU occasionally.
9. DO come visit and participate with your child during class.
10. DO communicate with your child(ren) and their teachers on a regular basis.