Does math practice make a difference?

There is some talk lately about if homework really helps students. For math, the answer is clearly yes.

To figure this out, one year I looked at the number of minutes of math practice my fourth grade students were completing at Khan Academy, a math practice website. I compared that to a student’s math level. Here are some facts to consider, using data from one fourth grade marking period:

  • The average number of minutes the class worked for the entire marking period was 800 minutes. The lowest value was 400 minutes, and the highest was 1750 minutes. So the hardest workers were working 400% more than the lax workers.
  • The top 25% of the class was working an average of 1300 minutes with an average math level of 5.1.
  • The bottom 25% of the class was working an average of 471 minutes with an average math level of 3.5.
  • The middle 50% of the class was right where you would expect them to be, in the middle of minutes worked and math level.

Here’s the data in a table, sorted by the number of minutes worked:

By Minutes WorkedAverageMinutes
Bottom 25%3.5471
Middle 50%4.4700
Top 25%5.11314
Class Average4.3796

It’s clear from above that the students that are spending the most time working are improving their math levels. The students practicing the least are below grade level.

Here’s the table sorted by math level:

By Math LevelAverageMinutes
Bottom 25%3.0543
Middle 50%4.5811
Top 25%5.51021
Class Average4.3796

What this table clearly shows is that the students that need the most practice, the lowest level math students, were working the least in the class. However, the average minutes in this table are higher for the bottom and middle percentiles than in the table that was sorted by minutes worked. That shows that some of the lower level students were spending more time trying to improve their math levels. Over time, that practice will pay off.

Two takeaways:

  1. Practice time makes a difference. While not a guarantee, the more time your student spends practicing math (or reading or any other subject) the better their level will be. This is why a daily homework time is essential.
  2. Grades will follow minutes. If your student has a lower math level than you would like, nothing is likely to change until you find ways for them to practice more at home. It would be great if your student would take initiative and practice on their own. But if they are struggling, it is likely that they are not practicing. You’ll need to step in and help them organize your time if you want to see a change. Over time, more practice will make a difference.

Originally posted 2017-12-04 15:41:19. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Kids Who Desire World Domination

Do you know a strong-willed child? Someone who wants to run the show and lets everyone around them know it? Here are some words of wisdom:

Avoid getting on the same level

Kids with this personality will do a variety of things to bring us down to their level…or actually reverse the roles. These include arguing, nasty looks, passive resistance, etc. Remember: If a child can pull me into a debate or argument, I am no longer the parent.

Establish privacy boundaries

These children feel entitled to be involved in every conversation and every activity. When they aren’t, they create chaos to bring the focus back to them. “This is our time” or “This is a private conversation between your mom and me” or “You may stay with us as long as you aren’t interrupting” are very important boundaries.

Let your authority outlast theirs

Many children train their parents to stop setting and enforcing expectations. They do so by arguing, screaming, or yelling every time a limit is set or something is asked of them. No matter how difficult it may be, please show them that you will remain loving and strong. You’ll never regret this.

Read the rest here.

Originally posted 2015-12-16 16:36:22. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

When kids say, “I’m stupid”

There are few things that tear at our hearts more than hearing our kids say, “I’m stupid.”

At first glance the following parent seems to be right on track:

No you are not stupid. Honey, think of all of the things you are good at. How about reading? You’re good at that! And, remember how much you improved in baseball last summer. Stupid kids don’t learn how to hit curve balls like you did. And your art is wonderful. If you were dumb, would you have been able to learn how to create those drawings with such wonderful three-dimensional perspectives? I don’t think so.

At second glance, we realize that this well-meaning parent is actually lending credibility to their child’s “I’m stupid” remark… by spending so much time and energy addressing it.

The Love and Logic approach is much simpler…just ask your student, “Aren’t you glad that I don’t believe that?”

The same response is fitting when a student says, “I can’t do this.” Rather than trying to convince the student that they are wrong, just ask the student, “Aren’t you glad I don’t believe you?” Said with a positive voice and a smile, a student has no choice but to agree with you!

Read more about how to handle these types of negative comments.

Originally posted 2013-10-11 16:53:16. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Lead your child to good health

Here’s an infographic from the American College of Pediatricians on ways to help your student live a balanced and healthy life:

Originally posted 2017-11-06 20:59:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

When you fail

Originally posted 2016-10-08 20:41:36. Republished by Blog Post Promoter