We believe that it is essential not just to work hard, but to work smart. The time allocated to homework should be spent on activity that is helpful and constructive and MathSteps.com provides your child with the proper tools.
Subscribers to MathSteps.com are reminded weekly by e-mail that new problems have been assigned. Whether you prefer your child to do all five problems in the appropriate level at once or one each weekday will be your decision. We would like to make certain, however, that you remind your child to do the work on a regular basis.
Your child will likely want to use a calculator. While one obvious objective of our program is to help children develop the ability to think logically and analytically, why not ask them to practice the math skills they have already acquired? A blank sheet of paper and a pencil should do just fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it helpful for my child to do math problems at home?
How does any child master the technique of problem solving?
Why an interactive web tutorial? How is this better than a text book?
Why an interactive web tutorial? How is this better than a text book?
The interactive web tutorial is the best way of ensuring your child keeps coming back to the assigned problems throughout the year. A text book is typically purchased, the first couple of chapters are completed and the book stays on the shelf, forgotten. Our program insures that a subscriber is reminded each week that new problems have been assigned.
Would he benefit?
Quite often, a student may not fully comprehend a concept, possibly because not
enough time is devoted to practice or because it was not explained adequately or properly. This, in effect, leaves a "gap" in the student's mathematical "foundation". If it happens a few times, it may undermine the student's self-confidence and discourage him/her permanently from enjoying and performing well at math. Becoming adept at problem solving, by starting at a simple level and working his/her way up, restores the self-confidence quickly.
How does any child master the technique of problem solving?
For each problem we feature, we provide not just an answer, but a step-by-step solution, since the best way to learn is to observe the proper methodology. This is essential to any child in learning to identify how a solution was arrived at and then being able to apply this set of learned skills to a new situation.
Why problem solving?
Problem solving addresses two issues simultaneously. Any student benefits from continuous practice, but will most often find ordinary math drills boring and not stimulating. Let’s face it - a page of multiplication or division is a very monotonous task. Problem solving is more interesting, stimulating and challenging. At the same time, it will allow your child to develop powers of analytical and logical thinking. And your child will be compelled to use his/her acquired math skills in solving the problem.My child does extremely well in all subjects, except math.
Why is it helpful for my child to do math problems at home?
To become good in mathematics requires continuous practice. In school, with one teacher per twenty to thirty students with varying degree of aptitude, the effort is obviously fragmented. At home, with the right tools such as MathSteps.com at hand, you as a parent can easily compensate for this.