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My daughter needs help with 4th grade math. Any advice on what to buy her. Im no good with math! Please help
Charissa26 December 3, 2008
My daughter needs help with 4th grade math. Any advice on what to buy her. Im no good with math! Please help
drjohnson December 3, 2008
I like JumpMath. It proceeds in the teensiest of tiny steps, taking nothing for granted. I love their sample lesson on how to multiply fractions. I was pretty good at math, but still found that confusing. This guy's method makes it seem very simple.
http://jumpmath.org/17322
teacherschoice December 4, 2008
It's not what you buy that matters. What matters most is what you say to yourself and to your child. Building a " I can do.You can do" belief system for yourself and your child will be most helpful.I believe we are all born with potential to overcome any obstacle that we are confronted with.Consult your school and ask for an evaluation to determine what may be the possible causes of your child's difficulties. The conversations you have about math, with yourself (self-talk); with and around your child should be positive. Don't dwell on your past experiences, make a decision to start over. I do not know you but I believe you can change your present feelings about math, to a more positive one, if there is a change in attitude/belief/conversation.
What you say to yourself is just as important as what another person may say to you. Your words are powerful. They can create and they can destroy. You are capable of everything within the realm of possibilities. I believe in you.
Visit indianmathonline.com and kumon.com. Check to see if there is an Algebra project organization in your area (Bob Moses).17320
Jsillymom December 4, 2008
I am a homeschooling mom and math was the thing I was fearful of teaching because I was just bad at it. But as time has gone on I have actually learned better math teaching them.
Now I know you don't homeschool but I would suggest finding out what kind of learning style she has. Here is a site that might help you with that http://www.ldpride.net/learningstyles.MI.htm#Learning%20Styles%20Explained .If you scroll down you will see the different types of styles explained a little. She might be a Tactile/Kinesthetic Learner, where she needs to touch or do something to learn a new math concept. My youngest son (He's only in first grade) is very much like that. To get him to understand adding and subtracting I had to do a lot of hands on things for him to get it. Like going outside and drawing a number line and to add he had to jump from one number (say 3) to however many numbers I said(like 2) and he would see what his answer was. This helped him a lot. Of course your daughter is in 4th grade not first but I just wanted to give you an example
After you read the different kinds of learning styles you can find out what kind of learning style she has you can go from there. You may not even have to buy anything but just come up with some fun ways to learn. I hope this helps in some small way.17319
maggie93215 December 5, 2008
I would set up an appointment with the teacher, find out what exactly what math they are to be learning. I have a 4th grader so I am assuming mastering mutliplication and division. And word problems in both addding, subtracting, and mutliplication and division. My son was struggling a little with math and I talked with the teacher who told me he got out of work at 3:30 school ends at 2:15 and my son was more then welcome to stay after school to get some tutoring anytime. I was really glad to have talked with him. they also have a homework group. You may want to check into what programs your childs school has. Sometimes kids feel comfortable with certain teachers, last year my son was having a hard time with adding money, he/son did not like his teacher however there was a differemt 3rd grade teacher that he did like and who was the nicest and she had the most calm tone of voice when she spoke he/son asked if maybe she could help him I simply told him lets ask her and after school one day I met and spoke with her and she more then welcomed my child to help him better understand, she also helped him with some of his reading assingments. I thought that my son showed problem solving skills with this issue.
Good luck to your child and remember it never hurts to ask, so make an appointment with the teacher or principal. Tell you daughter to hang in there most kids at one point have their own issues in MATH(yuck)17317
skellyparker December 6, 2008
Why not sit down with your daughter and do the lessons with her. When you get stuck, work it out together. In this way you show your daughter that learning is important and that even as a parent you can build your skills. In working with adults who have difficulty with math, I have found that it is often true that they did not get enough time or help on the basics, setting them up for continued frustration. So, now's your chance: help your daughter and yourself to be more confident and value the time together.17316
pauladavid December 9, 2008
Hi there, I find the internet to be a valuable resource for helping my kids with homework. Places like www.mathisfun.com, www.planetmath.org, wikipedia and even youtube has great examples to help you through. The library is also a great place to get help. And if you are really struggling consider getting an older or same aged student to help your child with math. Peers helping peers helps children feel important - on both sides.17313
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