CARDINAL CORNER: ALEX GEORDAN

We would like to highlight several ways you can assist a youngster in their math ability with the following article. One can increase the confidence level in students if they understand these few points:

• Although most problems have only one answer, there may be many ways to get to that answer. Learning math is more than finding the correct answer — it’s also a process of solving problems and applying what is learned to new problems.

• Accuracy is always important in math. However, sometimes you can use a wrong answer to help your child figure out why they made mistakes. Analyzing wrong answers can help children understand the concepts underlying a problem and apply reasoning skills to arrive at the correct answer.

Ask your child to explain how they solved math problems. Their explanations might help you discover if they need help with number skills, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, or with the concepts involved in solving the problem.

• Help your child to be a risk taker. Help them see the value of trying to solve a problem, even if it’s difficult. Give your child time to explore different approaches to solving a difficult problem. As they work, encourage them to talk about what they are thinking. This will help them strengthen math skills and become independent thinkers and problem solvers.

Here are some other things you can do to help your child be a successful mathematics student:

• Visit your child’s school. Meet with their teachers and ask how they approach mathematics. Do they enjoy it? Do they participate actively? Do they understand assignments and complete them accurately? If teachers indicate that your child has problems with math, ask for specific things that you can do to help them.

• Check math homework and other assignments. It’s usually a good idea to check to see that young children have finished their math homework assignments. If older children have trouble finishing assignments, check their work, too. After your child’s teacher returns math homework, have your child bring it home so that you can read the comments to see if they have done the assignment satisfactorily.

• Help your child see that the mathematics they are learning is very much a part of everyday life. From statistics in sports to the sale price of clothing to the amount of gas needed to travel from one town to another, mathematics is important to us every day. Help your child link their “school” math to practical events.

• Point out that many jobs require mathematical skills. Your child may recognize that many people must have good math skills to do their jobs — scientists, doctors, computer technicians, accountants and bankers, for example. However, they may not realize that many other jobs also require math. Point out that math is used in jobs such as running a business; being a plumber, carpenter, electrician or mechanic; being a salesperson or clerk, and designing clothes – or buildings.

From the entire Canfield School community, we would like to wish each of your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year and remember: It’s a great time to be a Cardinal.

(Alex G. Geordan is the Canfield Local Schools Superintendent. Neighbors will publish his monthly column one Saturday a month during the school year. To comment, send feedback to neighbors@vindy.com and it will be forwarded to Mr. Geordan.)