Set a schedule for maths

We all know children love routine, so don't disappoint them now! Choose (with them) a set schedule for maths at home, and perhaps a scheduled treat for afterwards also. If your child's timetable allows, go for short but multiple sessions per week (like 20 minutes, 3 times per week, or 30 minutes, twice a week). Focus on just a few activities in one learning intention each session.

There's no rush

The Reaching Competence Programme is designed to sit alongside your child's learning at school. Some of the individual learning intentions take teachers weeks or months to complete in the classroom. The (sometimes) abstract concepts in maths will develop as your child's brain develops. Be patient. There's just no rushing brains!

Supervise all activities

Be sure to stay at your child's side during your sessions. Having your undivided attention and full support is more important to them than you probably realise. At some points, your child will be working at the limit of their understanding and you'll need to be vigilant, and catch them as confusion sets in. Try to play along with them in the more enjoyable activities and games.

Get ready beforehand

The Reaching Competence Programme is designed to be a multifaceted experience for you and your child. Activities are short, and any one learning intention will have you using multiple resources. Have these resources ready to go before your session. Cut out any cards, have dice and counters ready, calculators, scissors and glue at hand, etc. In later books, tag the answer page you'll need to refer to during worksheets.

Stick with it

There will be times when your child becomes frustrated with their learning. This usually occurs when they experience a step up in difficulty, and why I offer transition books (e.g., Books 8, 9 & 10 cover the transition from Stage 4 to Stage 5). When times get tough, try switching to another learning intention, or to an earlier book, but don't abort the mission. Hang in there, keep trying, and eventually the penny will drop and things will move forward.

Ask Reach for help

If you come across something you don't understand, whether it be a mathematical concept, an activity or an instruction, get in touch with us. We have an (almost) 24-7 support line in place - support@reacheducation.co.nz. We can email you back within 8 hours, or give us a number and we'll call you to discuss the issue during normal business hours. Our goal is to help YOU help your child, so don't be shy.