What parents need to know in order to ensure high school math success.
When homeschooling a child at the high school level, it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed, especially when it comes to math. High school math can be challenging, covering courses like Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Pre-Calculus. Ensuring your child stays on track can seem daunting, but there are three essential checks you can do to give yourself peace of mind and verify that your child is progressing well.
Before diving into these checks, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is John Zimmerman, founder of TC Math Academy and TabletClass.com. As a middle and high school math teacher with decades of experience, I’ve worked extensively with homeschool families. My main homeschool math program, TabletClass.com, has earned accolades from Practical Homeschooling Magazine and Old Homeschooling Bags Scene, reflecting its effectiveness and popularity among homeschooling parents. You can find links to my math help programs in the description below.
Now, let’s get into the three critical checks that will help ensure your child’s success in high school math.
1. Check the Quality of Their Notes
One of the most straightforward ways to gauge your child’s progress is by regularly reviewing their notes. Look at their notebook daily or at least every other day. You don’t need to understand all the math, but ask yourself: Could you learn from their notebook? Are the notes neat and organized?
Ensure your child isn’t making excuses like “I didn’t need to write it down” or “I remember it.” Note-taking is crucial for understanding and retention, so hold them to a high standard. Excellent notes are a sign that your child is focused during lessons and actively engaged in the material. In my program, I provide chapter notes as examples to show students what high-quality notes should look like.
2. Review the Quality of Their Work
Similar to checking their notes, review your child’s homework or practice problems regularly. Even if you don’t know the math involved, you can assess whether their work is neat, structured, and resembles the examples provided in their lessons.
Encourage your child to be meticulous with their work. High standards are key – it’s better to focus on fewer problems that are done well than to accept sloppy work. This is especially important as they prepare for higher education or future endeavors, where neat and structured work is essential.
3. Ask High-Quality Questions
An excellent way to assess your child’s understanding is by asking them to explain what they’re learning. You don’t need to quiz them constantly, but from time to time, ask them to describe concepts like “quadratic equations.” Listen to their response. If they struggle, encourage them to refer back to their notes and explain it in their own words.
This technique, often used by great teachers, reveals how well they truly understand the material. Encourage your child to think carefully before responding, which deepens their understanding and helps you identify areas that need more focus.
Conclusion
These three checks—reviewing notes, evaluating work quality, and asking questions—are straightforward yet powerful ways to ensure your child stays on track in high school math. As a homeschooling parent, these practices allow you to monitor progress closely and intervene early if necessary.
If you are looking for a structured, comprehensive math program, consider my courses at TabletClass.com. We offer a range of courses from Pre-Algebra to Pre-Calculus, including a Math Foundations course to reinforce essential skills. With our award-winning approach, your child will be in good hands as they navigate the challenges of high school math.
Best of luck in your homeschooling journey, and remember, with the right tools and strategies, you can guide your child to success in high school mathematics!
