Mathematics at home

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.

Busting some common myths about mathematics

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).