Tips from a math tutor for parents who need help with homeschool math.
Author
Amber Watkins
Published
April 2024
Tips from a math tutor for parents who need help with homeschool math.
Author
Amber Watkins
Published
April 2024
Tips from a math tutor for parents who need help with homeschool math.
Author
Amber Watkins
Published
April 2024
Key takeaways
Table of contents
So you recently decided to begin a homeschool journey with your child.
You weighed the pros and cons, assessed the times it takes, and mentally prepared yourself for the possible rocky journey ahead of you.
Well, the educators here at Doodle Learning want to extend to you a hearty welcome!
You now share the privilege of expanding your reach from just a few hours of homework help to being a full hands-on homeschool teacher.
You may still have some questions about how to choose the right homeschool math curriculum. You also may feel a bit uneasy about how to help with homeschool math, or simply need guidance on where to begin. We’re here to help you!
Start by choosing the right homeschool math curriculum for your child. This is the most important factor as to whether your homeschool math journey will be a rocky road or smooth sailing.
There are many math resources to find online. How to decide what homeschool math curriculum is best for your child?
Now that you’ve chosen your homeschool math curriculum, you must set up a schedule that works! Many parents who provide homeschool math help have seen the advantages of having a set time each day to work on school work. This helps your child stay in the school mentality.
Tutoring students in many grade levels has helped me appreciate that just because a child is in a certain grade, doesn’t mean they are learning at that grade level. You may have a child in third-grade math that is learning at a fourth-grade math level or even below grade level.
How do you determine what math level your child is learning at currently?I recommend getting familiar with the state standards for each grade level and if you notice your child is struggling with the topics outlined there, you may need to reteach some concepts from the previous grade before you can advance. If you notice your child is excelling with little effort, consider progressing to the next grade level.
To get your started, we’ve compiled the Common Core math standards for each grade:
Kindergarten
In Kindergarten, students will learn how to count to 100 by ones and tens, the basics of addition and subtraction, and be introduced to measurement and shapes.
In first grade, students will learn addition and subtraction strategies that will help them understand more complex equations later on. They will learn how to add up to and within 20.
Second graders build on their addition and subtraction skills, learning to add up to and within 100. They will begin to estimate using their understanding of numbers and quantities.
In third grade, your child moves into more complex mathematics, like multiplication, division, and fractions. It can be a bit of a challenge, so be prepared to help them build confidence.
Once your child is in fourth grade they will learn how to multiply multi-digit numbers, understand place values, work with fractions, factors, and multiples, and analyze data.
5th Grade
Fifth-grade math standards aim to help your child become skilled in using multi-digit numbers, decimals, fractions, and measurement conversions to solve real-world problems.
As a tutor, I have learned the art of knowing when it is okay to move on to the next math topic (within each grade level) and when extra assistance is needed. At the end of each lesson, I use ten math problems to test each child’s understanding. You can do this, too!
Math problems involve a ton of reading! Whenever I’m helping a child who is struggling with math word problems, they are usually also struggling with reading. So, how to help with homeschool math? One of the best ways is to help your child become a better reader.
Many parents want to limit how much screen time their child gets. At Doodle Learning, we couldn’t agree more! But there also can be a balance. Technology has proven to be a very useful tool in math education when used effectively.
How can you incorporate technology into your homeschool lessons:
Most states require your child to be assessed at the end of each year. Sometimes, this involves a professional coming to your home to see what you’ve been doing to teach your child at home. I recommend the following tips to prepare for yearly assessment:
Helping with homeschool math won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Your fellow educators at Doodle Learning are here to help and are always just one click away!
Lesson credits
Amber Watkins
Amber is an education specialist with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has over 12 years of experience teaching and tutoring elementary through college level math. "Knowing that my work in math education makes such an impact leaves me with an indescribable feeling of pride and joy!"
Amber Watkins
Amber is an education specialist with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has over 12 years of experience teaching and tutoring elementary through college level math. "Knowing that my work in math education makes such an impact leaves me with an indescribable feeling of pride and joy!"
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