5 Tips for Helping Your Child with Math Homework

Active learners continually seek to understand what they don’t know rather than expecting someone else to provide the answer. At RSM, we expect all of our students, regardless of their age, to complete their homework independently and come to class with questions about anything they don't understand. At the beginning of each class, the teacher begins with a discussion of the homework and students are given the opportunity to ask any questions about anything they didn’t understand. Following that discussion, students take a short homework quiz. This structure emphasizes to our students that they are responsible for taking initiative of their own learning.

Homework is a crucial stepping stone for mastering a topic. RSM teachers are experts at finding ways to engage students when introducing a new concept, but it’s natural to expect that not all of the information will be absorbed after just one class. Mastery can only be achieved through independent effort and repetition, which students will gain through homework.

We wanted to share 5 things that you can do to ensure your children get the most out of their math homework.

1. Schedule homework time wisely. Timing is particularly important for parents of elementary and middle school children. Designate a regular and uninterrupted time slot for RSM homework that is approximately half as long in duration as your child’s class. This homework time should be within a day or two after your child’s class. Most people will forget up to 40% of new information within the first day of learning it, therefore, working on homework shortly after class reinforces knowledge and increases absorption. To create optimal learning conditions, ensure that your child works on their homework at a time when they will be alert and well fed.

2. Resist the urge to provide the solution if your child asks you for assistance. If your explanation conflicts with how your child’s teacher explained it, this will only lead to confusion. If your child is struggling with a problem, we suggest asking them if they understand what the problem is asking them to do. In many cases, this is the root of their struggle. If you’ve clarified the problem and your child still doesn’t understand, simply place a question mark next to the problem. This will let your child’s teacher know to cover the question in class. You can also email your child's teacher with any questions.

3. Show that you value your child’s math education. You don’t have to be a math professor or even have a solid knowledge of math to be a great RSM parent. Children are smart: they can sense what’s important to you. Show your children you value their RSM education by talking about it at the dinner table, or in front of your friends. Ask your children what they learned on the way home from class. Show them you’re proud of the work they are doing to advance their math education. Children will always find things they’d rather be doing than homework, but if your child senses that math is important to you, it will become important to them as well.

4. Build a relationship with your child’s teacher. Your child’s teacher is a great resource for you. Keep your teacher’s contact information handy in case you have questions that arise and try to see your child’s teacher before or after class a few times throughout the semester. This will also allow you to keep tabs on your child’s progress throughout the year.

5. Use homework help as intended. RSM's homework help services are a great resource for making up for a missed class or spending extra time on a topic that your child finds particularly challenging. We suggest using homework help no more than three times a semester as students can become too dependent on it. For routine homework confusion, your best resource is your child’s teacher, whether through email or indicating a challenging problem on the homework.

Bonus Tip: Utilize Homework Online in RSM’s Student Portal for additional practice. RSM’s Student Portal is for students in grades 4 and up and supports the mastery of complex math problems, without relying on multiple-choice drills in order to help students achieve deep understanding. This digital tool does not replace written homework. Students are still required to solve problems on paper and clearly show their thinking. Our team designed the Portal to broaden this skill set for all students by providing immediate feedback, encouraging repeat attempts, and rewarding effort through badges, all of which motivate students to keep working through challenges.

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