8th 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 with eighth grade math
 

• The Khan Academy provides videos that help explain procedures that are used in math classes. It’s a good source for understanding some topics if the textbook is hard to follow. Here are a few that might be helpful in eighth grade:
  Scientific Notation
  Exponents
  Solving equations
  Examples of functions
  Using the Pythagorean Theorem
  Translations and rotations of polygons
• Most of the topics in eighth 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.