We all want our children to be successful and do well in school. I know that you, as a parent, want to help your child with their Math homework even if Math is your weakness. But sometimes you just don't know where to start or what to do. Help with Algebra is here.... read on.
If your child is taking Algebra 1 and is frustrated or having difficulty with their homework, take the following steps:
Sit down somewhere, free of distrations, where you can work together.
Ask your child to get out his homework, class notes, and text book.
Take a look at the class notes to see if you can figure out the steps used to solve the problems. If the class notes are not very clear, then take note of the topic being studied. (For example, is the topic solving equations? What type of equations? Look for key words in the notes.)
The box below shows a list of units that are currently covered on Algebra-class.com. Click on the unit that corresponds with your child's lesson. (These units are also found on the left-hand side nav bar on every page!
When you have located the lesson on Algebra-class.com, you'll need to first teach yourself the concept. Take a look at the examples and copy them down. Use the step-by-step instruction to teach yourself and your child. Work through the problems together.
Tip
If you too are lost and don't understand the lesson, then you may need to go back to the beginning of the unit and go through each lesson building up to the skill your child is working on. It may take a little more time, but in the end you'll have a stronger foundation and it will all make sense.
Work together to complete the practice problems on Algebra-class.com to make sure that you have a firm understanding of the concept.
Now that you and your child have a better understanding of the concept, have your child try to complete the homework. You could also have your child "teach you" how to solve the problems as he/she completes the homework. Whenever you "teach" the concept, you gain a better understanding yourself!
You'll find lots of useful K-12 math education guidance and tips at Sensible Math Education. Written by a 16 year math educator, this web site gives parents valuable information about the fundamental arithmetic skills children need to master in each grade in order to be succesful in math.
Other Resources
Get All the Help You Need In One Package
Algebra Class contains everything you need to master the solving equations, graphing equations, writing equations, systems of equations, and inequalities units! With Algebra Class, you'll be able to:
Watch video tutorials for every lessson
Take notes on a pre-designed worksheet
Complete a lot of practice problems
Check your answers with a step-by-step answer key
Practice your test taking skills with quizzes, chapter tests, and a mid-term exam
Having worked through many problems with parents, I hope to be able to offer solutions for you too. If you have a question or comment about your child's Algebra work, please share your thoughts in the form below.
If you'd like to read (and possibly help) other parents' questions or comments, click here. We can't wait to hear from you. Please join in. You will not only find the Algebra help that you might need, but you'll stress less knowing that you're not the only one having the same difficulties.
Parent's Mini Algebra Forum
I know that parent's often struggle when it comes to helping their child do homework or even just getting their child to do their homework! We all face the same struggles and that's why I've created this forum! We can support each other and help our children to be successful! If you have a question, idea or story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Everyone is invited to join in, it's free, fun, and easy! No registration or login is required!
SAT Practice Problems: If your child is getting ready to take the SAT, you will need access to many practice problems with detailed solutions. Schedule an "SAT Study Time" designated just for studying SAT problems. You'll need about 6 weeks to really feel comfortable with the format and kinds of problems assessed on the SAT.
Quick Reference Guides: Each month I create a "Quick Reference Guide" for my newsletter subscribers. Each one page PDF document provides a quick reference for a particular unit. Click here to access the "Quick Reference Guide" page.
I think it's great that you are taking on the "Math journey" with your child. If you still need help with algebra, and haven't found the answers you were looking for, please contact me.