Elementary
True or False
A student doing the Math and talking about the Math is learning the Math.
True. Students who are encouraged to think about and talk about math makes it more engaging,and accessible (no matter what their entry level is).
Talking about math is an effective way to solidify understanding of difficult concepts.
True or False.
Missing math instruction can make the next lesson more difficult to understand.
True. Attendance counts! Most math skills build upon eachother and improve with practicing examples reinforced during classroom instruction.
True or False.
You have to be a math expert to make a meaningful difference.
False. Parents can support mathematics learning without being math experts. Consistency, accountability, encouragement, and communication are what make a powerful difference.
True or False.
Technology is a learning tool that replaces thinking.
False. Technology, like IXL and Desmos, provide practice of skills taught in class. They require students to use what they've learned to show what they know.
It requires students to THINK, recall, make connections and use strategy to solve.
True or False.
Math foundations weaken in middle school.
False. Middle school is where and when the foundation should be strengthened. Focus: strong basics + steady habits
True or False
Students learn algebra in first grade.
True.
This is a first grade standard of learning.
I can use a balance scale to make equal groups.
The use of a balance scale is to support the development of the concept of equality which is a fundamental skill in algebra.
True or False.
Struggle leads to confusion.
False. Struggle leads to true understanding. Productive struggle in math is the process of effortful, cognitive grappling where students use perseverance and prior knowledge to solve non-routine or complex problems rather than relying on immediate answers or memorized algorithms.
True or False.
A low grade is information. Use it to decide what support comes next.
True. A low grade is like a fever, it is a symptom that something is wrong but doesn't tell what caused it. Is it new learning and student needs more explanation/examples, additional time to practice, lack prerequisite skills, etc.
True or False
Flash cards are the best way to learn multiplication facts.
False.
Flash cards only build quick recall (automaticity), not conceptual understanding. If a student doesn't actually understand what multiplication means (e.g., that 4 × 3 means four groups of three), flash cards can lead to frustration, or students will just rely on slow counting strategies instead of true memory.
Using known facts is a more effective strategy. ie, if a student knows 3 x 5 then they can figure out 3 x 6 using reasoning.
True or False.
A completed assignment is not always the same as a skill mastered.
True. Learning matters more than answer getting.
True or False
Elementary students are allowed to use calculators on the Math SOL test.
True AND False.
4th & 5th grade students are allowed to use calculators for certain parts of the test. 3rd graders are not allowed.
True or False. The greatest achievement is the grade on the assigment, quiz or test.
False. A greater achievment is your child understanding that learning matters, effort (and willingness to try) counts, see mistakes as part of learning and asking for help is a strength.
True or False.
Canvas is a learning platform where assignments can be checked.
True. It is where missing work, zeros, quiz/test reults, and upcoming deadlines can be found.
True or False
Making sure your student understands the “how” of math by doing the steps and learning the rules is the most important part of learning math.
False.
Conceptual understanding means grasping the "why" behind mathematical ideas, operations, and relationships rather than just memorizing steps or rules. Being able to explain "why" math works emphasizes understanding and deepens long term mastery.
True or False.
High school should build independence and ownership of learning.
True. Parents should gradually transfer responsiibility while helping them to take the lead.
True or False
C-R-A stands for Computation, Real-world problems and Algorithms in Math.
False.
C-R-A stands for Concrete-Representational-Abstract. Concrete (hands-on/manipulatives) Representational (models/pictures) and Abstract (symbolic/algorithm).
This is the most effective way math concepts are developed. THE C-R-A model helps students build understanding by moving throught these tree phases on learning.
True or False
C-R-A stands for Computation, Real-world problems and Algorithms in Math.
False.
CRA stands for Concrete-Representational-Abstract. Concrete (hands-on/manipulatives) Representational (models/pictures) and Abstract (symbolic/algorithm). This
True or False.
Once way for a parent to stay informed is to check ParentVue for grades regularly and not just before report card time.
True. Share what you are noticing, ask what skills need attention, and agree on one or two steps. Do NOT wait until the end of the marking period.
True or False.
If the student struggles with basic operations, fractions or integers, these ideas return in Algebra, Geometry & beyond.
True. These skills appear again and again in high school mathematics. This is why it is SO important to address any gaps in these areas early.
True or False.
When helping my child in Math, I have said (or thought) "I was never good at math," "That's not how I was taught how to do math" "I hate math" or just gave your child the answer.
If this is true, using math is not always formal. Start with how much math is part of everyday routines: cooking, shopping, money, time, problem solving, etc.
As a parent, ask for help in bridging the gap between "new math" teaching methods, foster a growth mindset by praising student effort (not just accuracy), remember practice makes progress.