Observe how your children learn mathematics best and what learning environments bring the most successful results. Consider things like attention span, fine and gross motor skills, reading level and test scores to tell you how your children learn.
Decide what time of day is best for your children to learn mathematics. Classroom teachers usually put core skills like mathematics, reading and language arts instruction in the morning hours when kids are fresh and ready to absorb new concepts, as opposed to the afternoon when attention spans are shorter and students can be restless.
Begin new concepts with one-on-one instruction. Use examples from textbooks or worksheets and go through the steps of the problem together. Allow your children to do a few practice problems with you and then give your children 10 to 15 minutes to complete five to ten problems on their own.
Go over sample problems with your children, making note of when they were successful and where they need more instruction. At the end of this session, direct your children to the computer for reinforcement of the concept through online mathematics games.
Spend at least one to two mathematics sessions each week in math facts practice. Give your children a timed math facts test early in the week and let them repeat the same test at the end of the week. Do this until they master the test and then move on to the next area. Begin with addition through the number 12, and then move to subtraction, multiplication and division. Use paper tests for assessment and online math facts tests for extra practice.
Group your children together for mathematics lessons when appropriate for variety in instruction. Children of different levels can do basic fraction work, prealgebra lessons and geometry lessons together. Give students reinforcement and practice at their individual level of instruction.