Math

Ask kids to read through the problem once. Then, have them read it again, circling the important words and phrases. This can help kids stay focused and avoid rushing.

Ask kids to use their own words to say or write a number sentence like 1 + 5 < 7. If they struggle to translate “<” into words, talk about the concept of “is less than” and the symbol that represents it.

Work through the first problem together and make notes on each step. This reminds kids that math is a process. They can use these notes to show teachers their efforts and get feedback on how they solved the problem.

Have kids talk through how they tried to solve the problem, and where they got stuck. If you’re comfortable, try doing a problem together — and share your thinking out loud as you do it.

Hands-on objects or “manipulatives” can help kids visualize amounts as they solve problems. Try using objects like blocks, beads, buttons, game pieces, or small toys.

Talk about math with real-life examples. For instance, practice fractions with foods like pizza or apples. Ask, “How many slices are there in total? What would two slices of that whole look like as a fraction?”