Look over the homework assignment before your child's homework time. First grade is usually when students begin completing math worksheets. Make sure you understand the worksheet's instructions.
Determine what concept the homework is teaching. First grade math homework usually involves double-digit addition and subtraction, pattern recognition, coin counting, number and shape identification and measurement-taking. Once you determine the assignment's objective, it will be easier for you to understand its teaching method.
Read any help sheets or instructions your child's teacher may have sent home. If you have questions, contact the teacher and ask her to clarify requirements for completing the homework assignment and to provide an example of the process by which first grade students should work problems and answer questions.
Work some practice problems on a sheet of scrap paper. Remember to work at your first-grade child's level. For example, if you are working a double-digit addition problem, use the carrying rules your child is learning rather than applying mental math or using a calculator.
Seek tutoring if you have difficulty understanding how your child should do a math assignment. Online tutoring is available for elementary math, or you can check with a traditional tutoring service in your area. Some schools have homework helplines that parents and students can use as a resource.