7th Grade Math

Learning does not end in the classroom. Students who have supportive families who practice skills at home do better in school. These students also feel that school is important.

Ways to help your child in seventh grade math

• There are lots of opportunities to solve problems involving ratios, rates and proportions at home. Your child might develop their deepest understanding of these important math concepts by seeing real-world examples in everyday life. Here are some ideas for problems that you can use as examples and build on:

If the tax on $1 is 6 cents, what is the tax on $2.50?

You want to leave a 20% tip for a server at your favorite restaurant. You know that 20% of $3 is $0.60. Figure out how much is 20% of $15. How much is 20% of $17?

3 pizzas will feed a group of 8 teenagers. How many pizzas will be needed for a party of 26 teenagers?

In the last 4 weeks, you exercised a total of 22 hours. At this rate, how much will you exercise in three months? In one year?

A jacket that you want is on sale for 15% off. If it originally cost $120, what is the sale price?

A bag of M&Ms has 3 reds for every 5 browns. How many reds are there in a bag that has 20 browns? Let your child help plan projects around the house that require some math. For example, if you are going to paint a room, let her or him figure out the surface area that you’re going to paint and calculate how many gallons you’ll need.

• Most of the topics in seventh grade are unfamiliar to many adults, so making up real-world problems to challenge your eighth grader at home would be difficult. But your child probably needs your support to get his homework done, and you may be able to help with math questions at this age. Ask your child to show you what he is doing and explain how he does it. Always indicate to your child that he can understand and do well in math if he keeps trying, does all his homework, and asks questions at school. 

Overall strategies for school success

• Meet your child's teacher as soon as the new school year starts.
• Ask the teacher about the process for regular communication between home and school.
• Read what comes home from school and keep in touch with your child's teacher, especially when you have concerns.
• Attend parent-teacher conferences.
• Establish a consistent routine to make sure your child gets homework done. Show an interest in your child's work.
• Always talk about school and the teacher in a positive way, even if you have concerns. It is important for children to see home and school as united.
• Establish regular routines for morning, after school, homework and bedtime.
• Make sure your child is getting enough sleep, so he can focus at school.
• Talk to your child daily about school and how she feels it is going. This shows the value of education.
• Monitor and limit your child's use of technology (TV, computer, internet, video-games, phone and social media).
• Encourage healthy eating and exercise habits.
• Celebrate your child's school success at home.

Sources

Michigan Department of Education Common Core State Standards