6 tips: How parents can help with maths

In hardly any other school subject do children learn at such different speeds as in maths. Once children have gaps, they lose motivation and soon feel like failures. Learning experts Fabian Grolimund, Stefanie Rietzler and Lis Reusser explain how mums and dads can help their children.

Text: Fabian Grolimund, Stefanie Rietzler and Lis Reusser

Picture: Stocksy

1. ask instead of explain:

Don't show the child your own solution, but ask the child which solution they have learnt at school. What did they not understand?

2. back to the sender:

Inform the teacher what the child has not understood. Children should understand at school and practise at home if necessary.

3. everyday maths:

Reading the time, paying when shopping or weighing and measuring when cooking will develop your child's maths skills. But ...

4. ... only in a relaxed mood.

If your child realises that you're basically talking about an exercise programme, pressure will build up. For the same reason: don't make negative comments, don't be impatient.

5. review their own attitude towards maths.

Statements such as «Everyone in our family is bad at maths» can encourage the child's helplessness.

6. remedial teachers and learning coaches

can encourage your child to enjoy the subject and give you more confidence in dealing with their maths difficulties. Disadvantage: Not everyone can afford this. Therefore: Seek dialogue with the teacher.