<p>We know from research that children are more likely to be successful learners of any subject when parents actively support their learning. Today, helping children to make the effort to learn, appreciate and master mathematics is more important than ever. Our increasingly technological world demands strong skills in mathematics, not only in the workforce but also in everyday life, and these demands will only increase over the lifetimes of our children. To ensure that our children are ready for high school and on track for success in college and the workforce, parents must become involved early—and stay involved over the school years—to reinforce children’s skills in and positive attitudes toward mathematics. Starting in elementary school, children should be learning beginning concepts in algebra, geometry, measurement, statistics and logic. In addition, they should be learning how to solve problems by applying knowledge of math to new situations. They should be learning to think of themselves as mathematicians—able to reason mathematically and to communicate mathematical ideas by talking and writing. Through the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, President George W. Bush has made clear his commitment to the goals of raising standards of achievement for all children and providing all children with highly qualified teachers and instruction that is based on scientific research. Helping Your Child Learn Mathematics is part of the president’s efforts to provide parents with the latest research and practical information that can help them both to support children’s learning at home and to understand what they should expect from their children’s schools. This publication includes a range of activities for families with children from preschool age through grade 5. These activities use materials found inside your home and also make learning experiences out of everyday routines, such as grocery shopping and doing laundry. The activities are designed for you to have fun with your child while developing and reinforcing mathematical skills. We hope you and your child will enjoy the activities suggested in this publication and develop many more of your own.</p>

Helping Your Child Learn Mathematics

Education & Teaching

Education, U.S. Department of

and Outreach, Office of Communications

Schools & Teaching

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Early adolescence can be a challenging time for children and parents alike. Parents often feel unprepared and they may view the years from 10 through 14 as a time just “to get through.” However, research and common sense tell us that this view is very limited. During the early adolescent years, parents and families can greatly influence the growth and development of their children. We sell our children short if we expect little from them and we sell ourselves short if we believe that we have no influence. A growing awareness that young adolescents can accomplish a great deal is behind a national effort to improve education in America’s middle grades. At the heart of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is a promise to raise standards for all children and to help all children meet those standards. In support of this goal, President George W. Bush is committed to promoting the very best teaching programs. Well-trained teachers and instruction that is based on research can bring the best teaching approaches and programs to children of all ages and help ensure that no child is left behind. Helping Your Child through Early Adolescence is part of the president’s efforts to provide parents with the latest research and practical information that can help you support your children both at home and in school. It’s not easy to raise a young teen. Many outside influences distract our children and complicate our efforts. Exhaustion, anxiety, a lack of support and limited resources may make it hard for us to be all that we want to be for our children. But whatever the challenges, we share one aim: to do the best job possible as parents. We hope that you will find this publication helpful in achieving this goal.

Helping Your Child Through Early Adolescence

<p>Why is the sky blue? Why do things fall to the ground? How do seeds grow? What makes the sound and music? Where do mountains come from? Young children ask their parents hundreds of questions like these. In search of answers, we use science to both enlighten and delight. Being "scientific" involves being curious, observing, asking how things happen and learning how to find the answers. Curiosity is natural to children, but they need help understanding how to make sense of what they see and to relate their observations to their existing ideas and understandings. This is why parental involvement is so important in children's science education. When we encourage children to ask questions, make predictions, offer explanations and explore in a safe environment, we lend them the kind of support that they need to become successful science students and scientific thinkers. As a parent, you don't have to be a scientist or have a college degree to help your child learn science. What's far more important than being able to give a technical explanation of how a telescope works is your willingness to nurture your child's natural curiosity by taking the time to observe and learn together. Science "happens" all around us every day, and you have endless opportunities to invite your child into the wonders of science. Without expensive chemistry sets, equipment or kits, a child can be introduced easily to the natural world and encouraged to observe what goes on in that world. When you least expect it, a moment for learning will occur: A bit of ice cream drops on the sidewalk and ants appear; some cups float and some sink when you're washing dishes; static electricity makes your hair stand on end when you put on a sweater. Through the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, President George W. Bush has made clear his commitment to the goals of raising standards of achievement for all children and of providing all children with highly qualified teachers and with instruction that is based on scientific research. Helping Your Child Learn Science is part of the president's efforts to provide parents with the latest research and practical information designed to support children's learning at home, at school and in the community. It reflects the importance of inquiry processes and content in science achievement as described in the National Science Education Standards, released in 1996 by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences. This publication includes a range of activities for families with children from preschool age through grade 5. The activities use materials found in your home and make learning experiences out of everyday routines. The activities are designed for you to have fun with your child while developing and reinforcing science skills. We hope you and your child will enjoy the activities suggested in this publication and develop many more of your own.</p>

Helping Your Child Learn Science

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by and Outreach, Office of Communications. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by and Outreach, Office of Communications

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by and Outreach, Office of Communications. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Helping Your Child Learn Mathematics

Helping Your Child Through Early Adolescence

Helping Your Child Learn Science