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In math, word and story problems present special challenges to many young learners. The presentation of information and what is being asked can easily become overwhelming, and students may need a little extra math help. Below, the math tutors at FasTracKids in Charleston, Staten Island, share three ways you, as a parent, can provide math help to your child who has been assigned word or story problems.

Look for Key Words & Phrases

A story problem will often have some specific language that hints at how to solve it. A word like “and” often denotes addition, and “less than” or “fewer than” typically means subtraction. Teach your child to be on the lookout for these words and phrases as they navigate the narrative of the story presented, and they may find the entire problem is much more approachable and easier to solve.

Break It Down

math helpBreak the problem down into parts. This approach can start off as simple and basic as necessary to help your child get a foothold on the problem and what is being asked. Take it sentence by sentence, and ask them to put each sentence into their own words. Many children learn visually, so it could be beneficial to have them sketch, draw, or diagram the problem on a separate sheet of paper. Help them see the problem from more vantage points than just words on a page, and you will be offering solid math help.

Make Math a Part of Daily Life

One way to assist your child in all types of math lessons and problems is to incorporate math into everyday life. Get in the habit of seeing numbers and math opportunities wherever you go. The supermarket is an ideal place to make math come alive: count all the broccoli in the produce section, subtract the number of one kind of donut in stock from the number of another kind of donut in stock, or guesstimate how much the total grocery bill will come to. The possibilities are endless, and you are helping demystify math and make it more accessible for your child.

If your child needs some additional math help, trust FasTracKids' tutoring sessions and after-school programs. Call (718) 260-8100 or visit them online to enroll the young learner in your life, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter for helpful tips and information. Don't allow word or story problems to trip your child up and disrupt their comfort with math; let FasTracKids provide workable solutions.

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