Counting on Math 

Mathematics and Parental Involvement

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Parents are their children's first and most influential teachers.  Your support and encouragement are vital to your children's success in mathematics.  The attitudes toward math that you display are picked up by your child, even without you knowing!

Parents can help students see math as useful and necessary for life.  Include your child in activities with you that require mathematics, such as making purchases, checking the time, measuring ingredients for a recipe, writing a cheque and paying bills.  In this way your child can see the importance of mathematics.



Have a positive attitude toward math!

• Let your child know they can be successful in mathematics.
• Let your child know you see math as important.
• Be curious and excited about the math activities your child is involved in at school.
• Encourage your child to be persistent when the work becomes difficult.
• Remain patient and give praise when your child shows effort.
• Avoid negative comments and criticism.
• Don't underestimate your own math abilities.
• Don't say "I was never good at math."
• Allow your child to share their ideas and experiences rather than be a teacher and tell them how to solve problems.
• Listen and ask questions that will develop your child's ability to communicate mathematical ideas.