How Do I Find Math Help for Girls?

How to Make Math Meaningful for Your Child

Use Real-World Applications

Sometimes students have a hard time connecting what they learn in the classroom to real life. As a result, math can seem dry, dull and even unnecessary. Help your child understand the importance of math by having her use her math skills in real-life situations.

For example, the next time you bake, ask your child to help you by doubling the recipe. This will require her to multiply using fractions. If the recipe calls for 3/4 of a cup of flour, then your child would double the recipe by multiplying 2 x 3/4, which equals 3/2 (or 1 1/2) cups. Similarly, have your child help you build an art project, like a bird house. To construct the bird house, your child will have to use measuring skills.

Appeal to Her Interests

When children find connections between a concept taught in school and their own interests, they're often motivated to do better in school. For instance, if your daughter likes animals, then write some word problems involving them. Here's a sample:

Suzy has three pet tigers and one pet bear. If each tiger eats four pounds of food per day, and the bear eats three pounds of food each day, how many pounds of food does Suzy need to buy per day?

You might also consider using review games to study at home. For instance, fill in a tic-tac-toe board with math problems. To place an 'X' or 'O' on the board, the players must first accurately solve the problem in that space. Because this game is fun and educational, your daughter is likely to enjoy math a bit more while playing it.

Identify Her Learning Style

If your daughter is struggling to learn math, it may be because her learning style doesn't coincide with how her teacher is presenting the material. Students tend to be visual, auditory or kinesthetic learners. Visual learners learn best when they see the material, and auditory learners benefit from hearing things explained aloud. Kinesthetic learners process information best when they can move and interact with physical materials. Often, information in school is presented visually, which causes problems for students with other learning styles. At home, you can reteach the material to meet your child's individual learning style.