Math Games and Resources

How might I support my child in mathematics? 

  • Let your child know that all students can be successful in mathematics 
  • Encourage your child to think of math problems as puzzles or games. 
  • Don't underestimate your own mathematical capabilities.
  • Don't say, "I was never good at math" 
  • Encourage your child to restate the problem in his or her own words. 
  • Discuss how you can use mathematics in your daily life. 

How might I support my child with communicating mathematically? 

  • Encourage your child to explain their thinking or to "think out loud" when they work on a math problem. 
  • Listen to your child explain math in their own words and then paraphrase what they have said using mathematical words that they may be learning. 
  • Ask your child's teacher for a list of math words that might be challenging for students in your child's grade. 
  • Use a dictionary when helping your child with homework when you don't know the vocabulary your child is using. 

How might I support my child with "mental mathematics?" 

  • Help your child do mental mathematics with small numbers. It is most important to praise children for being accurate with their answer. 
  • Ask often, "is your answer reasonable?" 
  • Allow your child to use strategies that make sense to them. 
  • Talk to your child about when you use estimation and when you work out the exact answer. 

How might I support my child with manipulatives? 

  • Manipulatives at home can include buttons, macaroni, rocks, etc. 
  • When your child is working on math homework, ensure that materials are available for your child to use. Ask your child to show his thinking using manipulatives. 
  • Visit your child's classroom and have your child explain how they use material when working on math. 

How might I support my child with personal strategies? 

  • Recognize that one method may make more sense than another for your child. 
  • Understand that you have had many years of practice with one way of doing addition, subtraction, multiplication or division. 
  • Encourage your child to try and solve the same problem in more than one way. 
  • Encourage your child to solve the problem using one strategy and check the solution using another strategy. 
  • Ask your child to explain their thinking and show you the steps they have taken to solve a problem. 

Have a positive attitude towards math! 

  • Let your child know they can be successful in mathematics. 
  • Let your child know you see math as important. 
  • Be curious and excited about the math activities your child is involved in at school. 
  • Encourage your child to be persistent when the work becomes difficult. 
  • Remain patient and give praise when your child shows effort 
  • Avoid negative comments and criticism 
  • Don't underestimate you own math abilities
  • Don't say, "I was never good at math." 

Great math websites to play at home! 

Click the link below to view a PDF of math games to play with your children

You can also check out these math resources to help your child: