Middle School Math Resources
Modified and adapted from NCTM FigureThis! resources at figurethis.nctm.org
Be positive about mathematics
- Children pay attention to what you say. Be mindful about how you talk about math.
- Avoid negative comments about math such as, “I was never good at math.”
- Help your child build a "can do" attitude about mathematics.
- Remind your child that working hard often has great rewards.
- Praise effort not intelligence. Use words like, “I like how hard you are trying.” Avoid saying things like, “You are smart.
- Whenever possible, emphasize how important math is in everyday life.
Communicate with your child
- Take time to ask your child what he/she is working on in math class. Ask him/her to explain it to you.
- When working through a challenging math problem, do more listening than talking. Voicing his/her thinking is an essential part of learning.
- Try to work math into everyday conversation at home. Emphasize how important math is to you.
- Problem-solve out loud so your child can learn how to think through the steps necessary to solve a problem. Role model mathematical thinking.
Create an appropriate learning environment
- Provide materials and manipulatives that promote and support mathematics. Examples: pencils, paper, rulers, tape measures, counters, protractors, calculator, measuring spoons/cups, analog clock, graph paper, thermometer.
- Create a “homework spot” in a well-lit area, complete with sharpened pencils and erasers, where your child can study and do homework.
Promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- As your child works on math assignments, ask higher order thinking questions. Examples: How can you prove that? What would happen if...? Does that make sense? Can you predict what would happen next? How does this relate to...?
- Encourage your child to solve problems a variety of ways. Examples: guess and check, draw a picture, make a list, solve a similar problem, look for a pattern, work backwards, use manipulatives, simulate the problem, make a list.
The best way for families to help with mathematics homework is to ask good questions, allowing students to engage in their own mathematical thinking. When your child asks for help with math, try some of these questions or comments.
- What is the problem you’re working on?
- Let’s look at it.
- What do the directions say?
- What words or directions don’t you understand?
- Where do you think you should begin?
- What do you already know that can help you work through the problem?
- Show me what you’ve done so far.
- Where can we find help in your textbook or notes?
- Are there similar problems to look at?
- Let’s try drawing a picture or making a diagram.
- What did the teacher ask you to do?
- What problems like this one have you had before?
- Tell me where you’re stuck.
- Who can you call to get help?
- Let’s try it using a calculator.
- Let’s skip this problem and go on to another.
- Why don’t we look for some help on the Internet?
- Can you go in before or after school for help from your teacher?
- Should we tackle this another time?
The following websites are not affiliated with the Derry Cooperative School District. However, families may find one or more of these sites helpful to explore mathematics at home.
- Math Goodies - Provides topic tutorials, explanations, visuals, practice games, puzzle challenges
- Visual Fractions - Practice comparing, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions with visual clues.
Free Online Math Games - These fun games offer an opportunity for kids to enjoy themselves while reviewing important math concepts.
- Math TV - 10 thousand free math videos covering topics such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. However, their “Basic Math” topic will be most relevant for middle school students.
- PBS Math Club - Homework help, with a touch of humor. Covers 6th-9th grade standards for math; topics like adding and subtracting integers, equations, ratios and proportions, and statistics.
- Math at the Core: Middle School - Engaging media and integrated activities, all aligned with the math standards. Designed for middle school students of diverse learning styles and backgrounds.
Website: Figure This! Math Challenges for Families
Challenging Game: 4 Numbers
Soduko-Like Puzzle: Ken Ken Puzzle
Overview of Grade Level Standards
ParentGuide_Math_6
ParentGuide_Math_7
ParentGuide_Math_8
National PTA Parent Guides
National PTA_ Parent Guide to Student Success Grade 6
National PTA_ Parent Guide to Student Success Grade 7
National PTA_ Parent Guide to Student Success Grade 8