Understand math word problems better
Math word problems are a major hurdle for many elementary school students. Even children who find it easy to do arithmetic themselves often find it difficult to read from the text what the actual arithmetic problem is. In addition, there is the time pressure in rehearsals, which makes it even more difficult for some students to concentrate on a task.
If a child has difficulty solving word problems, it doesn't necessarily mean they are poor at mathematics is. Often the problem lies more in understanding the text or in being able to concentrate long enough under time pressure to be able to work on a large word problem. Children having trouble in German language often suffer particularly from math word problems.
Solve word problems
- The first step is to practice with your child to remain calm even under time pressure. Help your child by telling them to take a deep breath before starting a task.
- Now it is a matter of reading the word problem carefully. Children with text comprehension difficulties can first underline important aspects of the math problem with a ruler and pencil.
- Then it is important to turn the task into a question, which must then be properly noted in the exercise book. Even if this step may seem annoying to your child, it is very important, because word problems are all about the correct formulation of the arithmetic question. Has your child recognized which calculation the word problem should result in? You can tell from the arithmetic question.
- The next step is the bill itself. Difficulties here lurk above all in correctly copying the given Counting or when converting different units. Your child will find it easier if he or she pays attention to the correct guidance of the booklet right from the start and uses the boxes in the booklet for orientation. Nothing can get mixed up like this.
- Solving the bill should no longer be a problem. If so, you should do the again with your child Basic arithmetic repeat or discuss with the class leader or the subject teacher where your child has weaknesses and how you can help them.
- The last step is often forgotten by children: formulating an answer sentence. In doing so, you should point out to your child that he or she should exactly match the question on the word problem. If the question is, "How many liters of water will fit in the bathtub?", The answer is: "Will fit in the bathtub... Liter ", nicer than the answer:" There are... Liter".
Word problems can drive students to despair. And then you should also ...
Test in math - tips against excitement
- Does your child have problems with time pressure and become hectic under stress and make a lot of careless mistakes? Then you should practice with him at home under "examination conditions". You can set your child an egg or kitchen clock for this. In order to estimate the correct amount of time it will take to complete an exercise sheet, you should give your child a few beforehand Observe times while doing homework independently and measure the time or ask the teacher.
- Autogenic training and relaxation exercises can help your child learn relaxation techniques that can also be used in an exam at short notice.
- Make it clear to your child that there is nothing wrong with being excited, and even helping the head to solve tasks quickly.
- It also helps children to know that bad results in a sample will not have negative consequences at home.
I wish you success!
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