Parents : How Can Parents Get Involved?

To assist and support their children in the areas of science and mathematics, parents can do the following:

• Encourage curiosity, questioning, exploration, and experimenting since these are the pathways to learning in mathematics and science. Ask open-ended questions that require close attention and stimulate imagination. Listen to children's ideas and explanations, guiding them to consider alternatives or find facts supporting their ideas.

• Be positive regarding any difficulties or personal experiences you may have had with school mathematics and science. Help communicate the importance of these subjects and expect your children to be successful in these areas.

• Help children see mathematics and science in the world around them. Point out how mathematics and science are used in work or everyday activities.

• Discuss mathematics, science, and technology careers. Encourage children to ask questions about job requirements and educational preparations needed when they encounter relatives, neighbors, or friends who have mathematics or science related occupations.

• Involve children in family activities or tasks requiring mathematics and science. Some examples are measuring and estimating the cost of new carpeting and the advantages and disadvantages of various carpet fibers; comparison shopping; choosing and caring for pets; selecting, planting, and growing flowers and vegetables suited to your terrain, climate, and needs; and safety involving electrical appliances and circuits.

• Become familiar with national and/or state mathematics and science standards.

• Become familiar with specific mathematic and science concepts and skills expected at various grade levels. Help guide children in selecting subjects at middle and high school levels.

• Examine children and mathematics and science textbooks and materials, showing interests in topics, concepts, activities, and projects that your children will experience.

• Become familiar with forms of assessment being used in mathematics and science instruction today.

• If your children have difficulties with mathematics and science, let the teacher and/or guidance counselor know, and ask how you can be of assistance in resolving the problems.

• Volunteer at your children's schools. Assist with mathematics competitions, science fairs, field trips, scheduling guest speakers, etc.

• Take family field trips to informal education sites such as mathematics and science centers, museums, zoos, libraries, and bookstores.