How to Help With Algebra

Figuring out how to help with algebra can seem like an impossible task.

Math.

The very word sends some of us into a downward spiral.

And looking at “today’s math” can make us parents feel like dinosaurs.

If that sounds all too familiar, pull up a chair.

I’m tackling a difficult one right off the bat:  sometimes in Algebra, it’s really hard to find something positive.

I get it.

There’s homework that doesn’t look like anything we remember doing.

There’s confusion when you try to google for answers.

And sometimes, there are tears.

So why am I talking about “the positive”?

Because you have to start somewhere, and you might as well start with things you have some control over.

Like homework, for starters.

It’s one of the most debated and dreaded things in Algebra.

Most learners will have homework.

Effort with homework can be acknowledged by:

• completing homework
• attempting homework for a given number of minutes
• attempting a certain number of homework problems
• turning in homework (many students have low averages because they simply don’t turn it in)

Start somewhere!

Did you struggle in math, too?  

Then you have a natural connection to your learner in that way.

Embrace it…my oldest and I have a tendency to run into things.

Not when we’re driving, haha…no, I mean like bumping into walls, tables, chairs.  You know, walking.

It’s not something that we like, but we can at least commiserate together.

If you didn’t struggle with math, take a moment to think of something you did (or still do) struggle with, whether in school, an activity such as sports or music, or in relationships.

Consider if how you feel about that struggle was how you felt every day walking into Algebra class.

Use that empathy to communicate well with your teen.

Building on the idea about Acknowledging the Positive, consider setting some really, really small goals.

Why?

First, they’re more attainable.

At this point, you’re looking for a quick win.

Anything positive to help gain some momentum.

Instead of looking ahead to the end of the semester, what is a goal you can set for tonight (attempt homework for 15 minutes without tears) or tomorrow (take detailed notes in class–writing down as much as possible that the teacher writes)?

This provides a chance to get some pretty immediate results, and over time these goals can be increased or stretched.

If you have a quiz to prepare for, practice some problems from the notes as a way of studying.

(That way, you have the worked out answer directly from the teacher–so you know it’s correct.)

Here’s where I’m going to be preaching to myself!

Don’t make your family’s entire life about your teen’s algebra class.

Decide on a boundary for when you’ll talk about it and when you won’t.

For instance, you might set a timer before breakfast or dinner for 15 minutes to discuss how class went, look over the assignment with them, praise any goals that were met, and set a goal for completing the next task.

That will keep you focused (to cover all that in 15 minutes) and it frees any further family time from the stress of more Algebra talk!

15 minutes might not be nearly enough time; adjust accordingly!