A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Child with Today's Math (continued)

Teachers still use traditional paper and pencil tests to help them assess your child’s progress. They also use district and statewide tests results to help them make decisions about instruction and assessment. However, teachers are also using tried and true methods of “kid-watching.”Watching and listening to students while they work in pairs, groups, or alone provides teachers with valuable information about your child’s progress. Students are asked to tell their teachers what they know in many ways. They may be asked to keep a math journal and write about the math they are learning. For example, after learning a new skill your child may be asked to write and describe how they would teach what they learned to a younger child. Teachers want to use as many ways as possible to help them decide what students know and understand.

Driving to School—what does “miles per hour” mean? How does it help us know how long it will take us to get to school?What else may influence how long it takes us to get somewhere in the car?

How much paint do I need to buy to paint the front hall? Can you guess the amount needed or do you need measurements to figure out how much paint to buy?