Role of Teachers in Involving Parents in Their Children’s Mathematics Education

Are parents these days unaware of how to help their children with their math studies? Are they aware of the significance of their participation? The fact is, parental involvement is crucial in all aspects of a child's education, but many parents are unaware of their role in their child's education.

Teachers must remove barriers and extend a hand to invite parents to participate in their children's education. This growing partnership (parent-teacher relationship) results in improved learning outcomes for their children and a more positive experience for families as a whole.

Why Is Parental Involvement in Math Education Important?

Increasing parent involvement in math is critical because it affects not only students' attitudes toward math and proficiency levels this school year, but also their continued success in math education. If a child's family discusses math in a positive way, monitors homework and provides re-teaching opportunities as needed, and incorporates online learning activities into their daily lives, the child will thrive! When parents and teachers collaborate, great things happen!

But before we proceed and discuss those activities, it is also important to learn why parents find it hard to engage in Math?

It can be especially difficult for parents to know how to assist their children with math homework. They frequently complain that they are "bad" at Math or that they "never learned anything useful in Math at school." Unfortunately, some parents are willing to make negative comments in front of their children, which instills a negative attitude toward math or their own math ability in the child.

Parents may also complain that the mathematics curriculum does not teach their children any life skills, which can quickly influence a child's attitude toward math.

The final and most common reason is that parents themselves suffer from mathematics anxiety; they are afraid of math or of teaching their child the incorrect method or receiving the incorrect answer.

What school leaders and teachers can do to promote parental Involvement in learning math?

Give Parents the Resources They Need to Assist Their Children

Teachers can print activities and worksheets for children to take home as homework using Online Learning resources.

They can also send take-home modules of curriculum mastery games home with students to give the children more practise opportunities and to engage the parents in playing the games with their child.

Teachers can display print materials and demonstrate the use of the Online Learning Program at parent meetings and open houses so that parents understand what, how, and why their children are using these materials.

Teachers must reassure parents and provide them with the resources they need to support their children. Some of these resources include:

Hands-On Learning Activities Should Be Provided to Parents

Math can be challenging for children because it introduces new, abstract concepts. Hands-on activities are ideal for learning by doing. It can help children improve their critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

Introduce parents to the eBooks like “I Love Hands-On Math”. This book is downloadable and provides an entire year's worth of challenging exercises focused on standards-based topics. Covers the following 5th Grade Concepts:

Whole Numbers
Patterns & Algebra
Mass
Addition & Subtraction, more!

Developed by an experienced educator and classroom-tested for more than a decade, the "I Love Math" program presents a complete elementary math curriculum! Using engaging color graphics and easy-to-use practical lessons, the program is perfect for students of various learning styles and skill levels. Educators who have utilized the program have found it to be a stimulating means for motivating their students to think and work mathematically! The unique learning approach featured in the program furnishes a fun-filled means of motivating students to think more deeply, investigate, explain, and understand problem-solving strategies.

Concepts are divided into two sections - one per semester. Each section is two to three pages in length and is followed by an assessment which allows for immediate and continuous feedback. Lesson extensions and suggestions for going forward are also included with each activity. The hands-on activities can be performed using a variety of commonly available classroom materials.

Make Math A Daily Activity

Parents can assist their children in making the most of math by incorporating it into their daily lives. That can be easily done using NewPath’s Take-Home Curriculum Mastery Games.

Each Take-Home Game includes:

25 Individually packaged, ready-to-take-home games – each covering a different skill and including:
1 Set pf 30 self-checking question cards
1 Laminated game board and materials for up to 4 players
Complete, easy-to-follow instructions for teachers and parents

For Teachers, the Take-Home Game -

Provides an easy-to-use means of home study, reinforced by parental involvement
Includes Parent/Teacher Resource Guide to facilitate implementation
Each game provides materials for up to 4 players: 30standards-based review questions, game board, gamepieces & easy-to-follow parent instructions
Features laminated game boards and heavy stock review cards – packed in durable, weatherproof pouches foryears of use!
Also perfect for open house or “family fun” nights at school!

For Parents, the Take-Home Game -

Provides an educational, yet fun way for students andtheir parents to review key concepts
Includes a complete set of ready-to-use games withsimple instructions that are standard for all games!
Features illustrated, self-correcting questions so parentscan help – even on unfamiliar skills & concepts!
Requires just a few minutes of fun-filled, home review eachevening to reinforce comprehension – perfect for test prep!
Establishes a routine pattern of nightly study, supportedby parental participation

The games have been developed by teachers, using research-based techniques and used in thousands of schools and homes across the country!

Improve Student Performance Using Visual Learning Methods

You can improve your child's learning by up to 400% when you use Visual Learning guides. Visuals are processed by our brain at a much higher rate than any other type of information. Make or find colorful visual learning guides, as well as online learning resources, to make math more fun and engaging.

These Laminated, "Write-On/Wipe-Off" visual learning guides provide comprehensive coverage of standards-based topics. These visual guides include 4 panels -

Panel 1 features an illustrated overview of the topic
Panel 2 includes labeling and review exercises
Panel 3 presents a vocabulary activity
Panel 4 provides assessment and review questions

When you demonstrate how enjoyable math can be, your children will be motivated to begin learning the subject. Take your time when teaching your children, and remember to provide feedback. Let your children know how well they did on specific tasks, and be sure to assist them in improving their abilities.

With the learning resources we've discussed so far, parents can provide their children with the assistance they need to boost their confidence and understanding.

Parental involvement not only help children, but it leads to happier and more productive teachers!

Finally, when parents share some of the school's responsibilities, teachers feel more supported and appreciated. As a result, teachers are happier and more productive at work. Teachers who are happier and more productive tend to be followed by students who are happier and more productive.

Parental involvement is a critical component of successful students. Whether parents serve on school committees, plan parties, or meet with teachers on a regular basis, their influence can be felt widely. Schools with involved parents have better academic performance, more successful students, and a happier, more productive staff overall. After all, education is and has always been a collaborative effort.