Forgotten Math for Parents

When was the last time you had middle school math - adding fractions or solving a percentage problem? Does the word "algebra" still strike fear in your heart?

Take our fun, Forgotten Math for Parents Quiz to discover how to revive some of your long lost math skills in order to become a better resource for your children during homework time.

Pop Quiz!
1. 3 1/2 + 2 6/8 =
2. Andrew attended 2 3/4 hours of class yesterday and 3 5/12 hours of classes today. He plans to attend 12 1/4 hours of class in all. About how many more hours must he attend?
3. What is the product of 1.16 and 20.051?
4. Find 287 1/2% of 24.
5. (26-9)-(-4-9)
6. It will cost $240 to charter a bus for a class trip. There is already $65 in the class treasury. The 25 students agree to pay the difference evenly. How much will each student pay?
7. Simplify (3x)(5x)=
8. Write 44.207 in expanded form.


Pencils down! How did you do?

Answers
1.6 1/4 2. About 6 hours 3. 23.25916 4. 69 5. 48 6. $7 7. 15x^2 8. (4 x 10^1)+(4 x 10^0)=(2 x 10^-1)+(7 x 10^-3)

90%-100%
Congratulations! You are a great math resource for your child. But, even mathematicians sometimes need a little extra help. Students who are unsure of their academic knowledge require assurance to ask for help. In order to ensure a student is secure in his or her abilities, parents must be nurturing and inspire confidence by helping the student develop self confidence. Study tip - Take turns working on problems together and explaining how you arrived at your solutions. Then, solve problems in a variety of ways and allow your child to use his or her imagination and favorite method.

70%-80%
Great job! You have mastered the math fundamentals. Making mathematics a part of a young child's daily routine, and continuing that process throughout high school, can help create excitement and willingness to learn new, complex concepts. Study tip - Make math matter outside of school by creatively unlocking the math problems hidden within everyday situations. Keeping track of batting averages provides a natural introduction to statistics. Rearranging a teenager's room can turn into a geometry lesson by talking about the room's square footage versus the space taken up by the child's furniture or how the room's shape determines interior design - the placement of objects.

50%-60%
You are on your way to becoming a mathlete! To support your child's math learning, parents must believe that everyone can learn mathematics, and that learning math is essential to lifelong success. It is important for parents to intervene as soon as a child exhibits signs that he or she is struggling with a concept. Study tip - Use fun activities to introduce new math concepts. Ask your child to figure out the savings on a sweater marked down 25 percent when shopping or offer to give students a percentage of the grocery money saved by clipping coupons.

Less than 50%
With a little practice, you'll become a math star! It is common for parents of elementary school-aged students to feel secure helping their children with math assignments. However, as children enroll in more advanced math classes, parents often become less confident in their ability to help their children. Study tip - Review previously learned math concepts together before each homework session and gradually move into new and more difficult areas. Model the process of making mistakes and calmly learning from them.

Reading on the Rise

For the first time in more than 25 years, North American reading rates are increasing, according to a study released in January 2009 by the National Endowment for the Arts. Reading on the Rise shows the number of adults reading fiction for pleasure has increased for the first time since the organization began studying reading rates in 1982. 50.2% of respondents report reading fiction, up from 46.7%. And, young adults display the most rapid increase - 9% in reading literature.

Educational experts agree that the more young students read, the more they'll enjoy reading and the better readers they're likely to become as adults.

Sylvan Learning, along with Book Adventure, a free, reading motivation program for students in grades K-8, recommends the following books and literary classics based on grade level.

Kindergarten: The Hundred Pound Problem by Jennifer Dussling
Grade 1: Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish
Grade 2: Ponies from the Past by Jeanne Betancourt
Grade 3: The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Grade 4: In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Betsy Bao Lord
Grade 5: Annie and the Old One by Miska Miles
Grade 6: You Be the Jury series by Marvin Miller
Grade 7: The Giver by Lois Lowry
Grade 8: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
Grade 9: White Fang by Jack London
Grade 10: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Grade 11: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Grade 12: The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

Interested in finding more books for summer reading? Log onto www.bookadventure.com!

Who is your teen really listening to?

Ask parents who has the most influence over the decisions and behaviors of their teens, and most reply: their peers. Yet, research confirms that when teens are asked who has the most influence over their actions, they overwhelmingly reply: our parents.

Despite the eye-rolling and often demonstrated (and totally natural) push for independence, middle and high school teens need their parents. Who better can provide the guidance, direction, care, love and sacrifice to guide them to adulthood?

The benefits of parent involvement are well documented-a demonstrated awareness of and involvement in schoolwork, communication with their educators, an understanding of the developmental emotional and social challenges, and the clear communication to their children of parental expectations and academic aspirations. Yet, a National Middle School Association study confirms that parental involvement too often declines during the crucial middle and high school years.

So how do you find the balance between fostering independence in your child and being the world's best helicopter?

1. Teach and model. You are your child's first teacher and most likely the person your child most admires. Set the example you wish for your child to follow.

2. Provide opportunities for reflections, discussions, and clear communications regarding boundaries, behaviors, and expectations.

3. Foster your child's strengths, talents, and interests. Give praise and support not only for your child's accomplishments but also his or her efforts.


Basically, parents keep talking because when push comes to shove your teens are listening to YOU! They just may be listening to more than what you're saying.

Welcome to Directors' Dish

Hello educators, parents, and interested parties!

The Directors of Sylvan Learning Centers of Flemington and Clinton have decided to begin a blog. We will be posting information regarding local educational trends as well as advice on our most commonly asked questions. Please do not hesitate to email with a question or a topic you would like discussed.

Take time to get to know the directors and learn a little in the process! Enjoy and stay educated!