There isn’t a family out there whose home isn’t like Union Station at rush hour first thing in the morning. You are trying to get ready for work while trying to get the kids dressed for school while trying to find backpacks, laptops, and probably matching shoes... for both you and the kids. Who has time to eat food, let alone healthy food on rushed weekday mornings?! It is definitely an afterthought, and I get it! I’m one of those people, too. ‘Just get everyone to their intended destination on time.’ That is the goal.
As the days get shorter and the air a little cooler, signalling the end of summer break, you might be dreading the return of a hectic family schedule - the start of a new school year, the ramp-up of after-school activities, and perhaps some feelings of uneasiness having gone through the ups and downs of this past year.
Most of us have had the frustrating experience of asking our children questions and receiving one-word answers: “What did you do at school today?” The answer: “Nothing.” You want to engage your kids in conversation that lets you know what they’re thinking, how they’re feeling, and whether or not they need support of some kind. So, it’s difficult when you hit one-word dead ends.
Math has gotten a bad rap for being the subject kids struggle with the most. It’s abstract, challenging, and cumulative. It’s also challenging to teach! If a teacher moves too slowly, some students will get bored and check out. If a teacher moves too quickly, other students can get overwhelmed and give up. In a traditional classroom, teachers can monitor the room for signs of confusion or overwhelm. But a virtual classroom makes it significantly harder for teachers to identify and assist students who need more help. This means it now falls on you to monitor your child’s progress and recognize when your child needs help. Many kids balk at their parents’ attempts to step in, so what are you to do? Read on to learn practical tips for helping your child succeed with virtual math without ruining your relationship along the way.
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