Ask a Teacher

Help your child get better grades in math

by Nancy Downing
Q: How do I help my elementary-aged child get better grades in math?

A: Today’s math is quite different from the math we, as adults, experienced when in school. Computation
is only one part of each problem. Here are some tips to use.

  • First your children must read the problem through for comprehension.
  • Next have them VISUALIZE what is happening and VERBALLY state what is being asked for.
  • Decide whether the problem requires more than one computation problem.
  • Then reread to decide what numbers will be used.
  • Now make a decision on which operation to use (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division)
    and when.
  • Begin calculating. Use pictures and numbers.
  • If the problem requires written explanation, begin writing now.

Try this 3rd grade problem:

Blake went to camp for five days with $25.00 to spend. Each day he bought a coke and candy bar for
$2.50. On the third day he bought a t-shirt for $7.25. The last day he bought a banner for $3.00. Explain
with numbers, pictures, and words how he spent his money and what his change will be.  

Problem Solving + Computation = Today’s Math

Answer: $2.25


Copyright 2009 Nancy Downing.  All rights reserved.
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Nancy has been an educator for 30 years and is currently a special education teacher.  
She is the former Center Director of LearningRx in Little Rock, Arkansas. She has
received local, state, and national recognition for her development of Downfeld
Phonics, a multi-sensory reading program.  Nancy also wrote curriculum for an
educational technology company.   

Nancy is a single mother of three children:  one with learning differences, one gifted,
and one who has to work for his grades.  Not only does she know what it is like to teach
all these different learning styles at school, but she has the experience of dealing with
all aspects of each twenty-four seven.