Elementary school students often have difficulty completing math assignments, often because they are learning new skills everyday at school. It can be difficult to keep up. Fortunately, you can help. Here are some tips for the proactive parent:

Take Notes

According to Ellen Freedman, the creator of mathpower.com, you should encourage your children to take notes during math class. Freedman explains that your children should take the following steps when taking notes in math class:

• Write down the topic of the lesson.
• Write out each math problem with all of the steps you used to get the solution; make sure to include words next to each step that explain what you are doing.
• Make a mark next to any problem or step that is confusing and ask the teacher to explain these steps in a different way.

Understand the Assignment

Your children also need to learn how to read through homework instructions carefully. Whether the homework is a worksheet or problems from the textbook, your children need to thoroughly understand the directions before beginning. Rereading instructions and specific math problems helps your children discover details and information that they may have originally missed.

If the school has issued math textbooks to your children, they have extra instruction available right at their fingertips. Have them explore the textbook to see what information is available in each chapter. Often, there will be detailed explanations, and real world examples to aid in understanding. Look through your children's textbook with them to determine if there are examples and explanations for problems similar to those they are having difficulties with.

Be There

Encourage your children to ask you for help if they are having problems with their math homework. Most children will feel more comfortable asking for help in a private setting with a parent then in school around their peers. In fact, social distraction is often more to blame for poor grades than a lack of understanding. Encouraging this interaction with your children will also help ensure that you are informed about their strengths, weaknesses, and academic progress.

Ask for Help

If your children continue to have problems with their math homework, speak with their teacher. Teachers are often able to work with students during recess or before and after school. In addition, you can also help your children with their homework by employing a tutor who can offer personalized instruction.