I am very worried about my sixth-grader's progress in math. He scored very low on the recent state math exam. He gets frustrated easily when it comes to math. This is his least favorite subject. What can I do to interest him in math and help him improve? - Deficient
Answer: It is obvious that your son needs to gain some basic math skills. However, he may be so disinterested in math right now that even a tutor would have trouble motivating him to work on improving his skills. You need to hook your son on math. He has to discover just how important math is in the real world. Begin by showing him how so many things that your family does actually involve using math.
Throughout the day, point out to your son every time an activity involves an application of math. For example, when you are balancing your checkbook, explain that you are using addition and subtraction. When you double a recipe, tell him that you are multiplying fractions. When you make sure that everyone in the family gets an equal share of the pizza, mention that you are using division.
You also want to have your son use math to make real-life decisions. If your family wants to go out to dinner and a movie, make it his responsibility to figure out how much the entertainment will cost. If your son and his friends are planning to go to a fair or an amusement park for the day, have him determine how much money will be needed. When shopping together, have him pay the bills and make sure he has been given the right change.
Encourage your son to play games with family and friends that involve using math. He should be the banker in Monopoly and the scorekeeper in Scrabble. Dominoes are another great game for reinforcing basic math skills.
Once your son begins to see how important math is, it is time to give him the extra help needed to improve his skills. You might find this help from a high-school student, tutor or a learning center.