Mathematics at home
See also: teaching-mathematics, teaching
Initially, a summary of Bragg et al (2020)
When schools, families and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more” (Henderson & Mapp, 2002).
Families positioned as "a child's first educator". Synthesis of contemporary literature to derive four themes common to good practice for engaging families in mathematics education.
Related
School <-> home communication#
Suggested starter "What are three things you would really like your child to accomplish in mathematics this year?"
Suggested methods for communicating mathematics - most of these are one-way
- problem-of-the-week in newsletters
- take home games
- parent-teacher interviews
Foster respectful relationships#
Takes a more explicit focus at encouraging families to engage in math at home
- Suggest starting by finding a shared mathematical purpose (e.g. reducing energy use at home)
- students are important to forging these relationships
Positive attitudes to mathematics#
- importance of attitudes to performance
- active encourage opportunities to see/do/talk about mathematics
Demystify mathematics and build confidence#
- helping provide families with confidence to help their children with mathematics
- one approach was fornightly maths for parents sessions
- Math walls - forms of making mathematical thinking/reasoning visible
References#
Bragg, L. A., Herbert, S., & Brown, J. P. (2020). Engaging Families in Mathematics Education (p. 18). Department of Education and Training (Victoria).