Common Core Math: Helping Parents Help Their Child(ren)
- Nancy Kutsup
- Sep 3, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 30, 2024
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Understanding and Navigating Common Core Math: A Guide for New Jersey Parents
For many parents across New Jersey, helping their children with math homework has become a challenging task since the implementation of Common Core standards. These standards were introduced at the state level as part of an initiative to ensure students across the country receive a consistent and rigorous education. However, the transition to Common Core math has left many parents feeling bewildered, especially when it comes to understanding the new methods and terminology used in their children’s math curriculum.
The Common Core Challenge
Common Core math is designed to promote a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts rather than relying solely on memorization and procedural knowledge. The focus is on critical thinking, problem-solving, and understanding multiple methods to arrive at a solution. While this approach aims to build a strong mathematical foundation, it often presents difficulties for parents who are more familiar with traditional methods of teaching math.
In New Jersey, where the adoption of Common Core standards is mandated at the state level, to which must be followed by public schools, parents may find themselves struggling to assist their children with homework that looks vastly different from what they encountered in school. The new methods, which encourage students to explain their reasoning and use visual models, can seem foreign and confusing, leading to frustration on both sides.
The Challenges Parents Face
One of the primary challenges parents face is the difference in methodology between how they were taught math and how it's being taught now. Traditional math instruction focused heavily on memorization and direct application of formulas, whereas Common Core math emphasizes understanding the why behind mathematical concepts, not just the how. This means that students are taught multiple strategies to solve problems, such as using visual models or breaking down numbers in ways that may seem convoluted to those used to more traditional methods.
Parents might encounter terms like "decomposing numbers," "arrays," "number bonds," and "place value strategies," which can be unfamiliar and intimidating. For example, instead of simply adding numbers in a column, children are taught to break numbers down into their components to understand addition better. This shift can make it difficult for parents to assist their children, especially if they are unfamiliar with these terms and techniques.
Additionally, many parents feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the methods their children are learning. The fear of not being able to help their child can lead to frustration and anxiety, both for the parent and the child.
Key Terms in Common Core Math
Understanding some of the key terms used in Common Core math can help bridge the gap between old and new teaching methods:
Number Bonds:
Visual diagrams that show the relationship between a number and the parts that combine to make it. For example, a number bond for 10 might show the numbers 7 and 3.
Decomposing:
Arrays:
Regrouping:
Modeling:
Ten-Frames:
Additionally, this PDF document by the Newhall School District provides the terms used in Common Core math. It also includes the definition for each terms along with a YouTube video link, a visual image and which grade(s) each term is most commonly used.
Ways Parents Can Help
Helping children with Common Core, particularly mathematics, can be challenging for parents, especially if they're not familiar with the methods used.
Learn the Concepts:
Take some time to familiarize yourself with the new methods and key terms used in Common Core math. Understanding these concepts will make it easier for you to assist your child and communicate with their teacher.
Encourage a Growth Mindset:
Work Together:
Use Online Resources:
Conclusion
Common Core math presents challenges for many parents, but with the right strategies and resources, you can effectively support your child's learning. By familiarizing yourself with the terminology, embracing new methods, and utilizing online tools, you can build a strong foundation for your child’s success in math. Remember, the goal of Common Core is to create critical thinkers who understand math deeply—skills that will benefit your child far beyond the classroom.
By working together with teachers and making use of the available resources, you can help your child not only meet but exceed the expectations set by Common Core standards.
Resources:
Here are some resources that can assist parents in understanding and supporting their children's math education under the Common Core standards:
1. Official Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Resources
Common Core State Standards Initiative (Math): This website provides an overview of the standards, including specific details on mathematics standards for each grade level. Parents can use this to understand what their child is expected to learn.
Common Core Math Standards - PDF: Downloadable PDFs that detail the math standards for each grade level.
2. Parent Guides
Be a Learning Hero: Offers parent-friendly resources, including roadmaps and videos that explain Common Core math concepts by grade level.
National PTA Parents’ Guide to Student Success: These guides are available in both English and Spanish and cover what students will learn in mathematics for each grade level. They also offer tips on how to support learning at home.
YouCubed: Created by Stanford University, offers resources aimed at promoting a growth mindset in mathematics. They provide tasks, activities, and parent guides that are aligned with Common Core and designed to make math more engaging and understandable for children.
3. Interactive Tools and Practice
Khan Academy and Khan Academy: Standards Mapping - Common Core Math: Provides free instructional videos and practice exercises aligned with Common Core standards. It's a great tool for parents and students to learn and practice together.
Eureka Math 2: Offers curriculum modules and video lessons aligned with Common Core. Parents can use these resources to understand the methods their children are learning in school.
Zearn: A digital math platform that offers lessons and practice aligned with Common Core, with a focus on problem-solving and conceptual understanding.
4. Online Math Programs
IXL Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Spanish: This site offers comprehensive coverage of Common Core math skills, with interactive questions and explanations. It’s useful for parents who want to see specific skills broken down by grade level.
5. Workbooks
Common Core Math Workbooks: Grade-specific workbooks that parents can use to practice Common Core math problems with their children.
6. YouTube Channels
Math Antics: This channel provides clear and engaging math tutorials that align with Common Core standards. The videos explain key concepts in a way that's easy to follow.
Numberock: Offers math songs and animated videos that help reinforce Common Core concepts in a fun and memorable way.
Khan Academy: Offers comprehensive video tutorials on a wide range of math topics, including Common Core-aligned lessons.
The Dad Lab: While not solely focused on math, this channel offers creative and hands-on approaches to learning that can complement math lessons.
7. Math Apps
SplashLearn: An app that offers interactive math games and activities aligned with Common Core standards, making it easier for parents to engage their children in learning.
Photomath: An app that allows you to take a picture of a math problem and get step-by-step solutions, which can help parents understand the methodology used in Common Core math.
Prodigy Math Game: A math-based video game that aligns with Common Core standards, making learning fun and engaging for children.
Mathway: A math problem solver that can help parents understand step-by-step solutions to math problems.
8. Parent-Teacher Communication
Remind: A communication platform that allows parents to stay in touch with teachers, ask questions, and receive updates about their child’s progress in math.
ClassDojo: Another communication tool that helps parents stay engaged with their child’s classroom activities and get insights into how they’re learning math.
Tips for Parents:
Stay Positive: Encourage your child to have a growth mindset about math. If you’re struggling, remind them that learning takes time.
Practice Patience: New methods can be confusing, but patience and consistent practice will help.
Engage with Teachers: Don’t hesitate to ask your child’s teacher for resources or explanations of methods you find challenging.