Question 1135340: This question is not directly related a particular topic in Math. I am looking for advice on how to deal with a child who doesn't read the question properly and hence gets the answers wrong. Conceptually he is fine. However, my son, tends to not read the questions properly or pay attention the the small details in the question. For example, the multiple choice question asked to pick all the correct answers. But he probably looked at multiple choice question, assumed it was asking for the one correct answer and answered accordingly.Needless to say he got no credit for partial correct answer.
The same applies to word problems too. I have repeatedly told him to read carefully not once but twice but it is not helping. How do I help him implement a habit to read the questions properly?
Found 2 solutions by rothauserc, MathLover1:
Answer by rothauserc(4718)   (Show Source):
Answer by MathLover1(20849)  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Math instruction cannot be effective if it is based on extreme positions. Students become more proficient when they understand the underlying concepts of math, and they understand the concepts more easily if they are skilled at computational procedures. U.S. students need more skill and more understanding along with the ability to apply concepts to solve problems, to reason logically, and to see math as sensible, useful, and doable. Anything less leads to knowledge that is fragile, disconnected, and weak.
Word problems in mathematics often pose a challenge because they require that students:
1. read and comprehend the text of the problem,=>most important (For this reason it is recommended that students learn key terminology prior to attempting to solve mathematical word problems.)
2. identify the question that needs to be answered, and
3. finally create and solve a numerical equation
In addition, a child might fear math. That can be very physical and not just in the “stomach ache” sort of way. When we are nervous, our short-term memory can freeze up. Realistically, solving word problems usually requires child to juggle a lot of information in short-term memory: reading a few sentences, identifying what is being asked, picking numbers, and setting up an equation. All before they even begin to “do math”. In short, that brain freeze might make them forget what they read, transcribe the wrong number, or write the wrong operation. They start to believe that they can’t do math, when what they really need is help with short-term memory.
Understand the difference between difficulty with math and being nervous. Once they understand why “brain freeze” happens and that it has nothing to do with their math ability, they are less likely to view themselves as “bad at math”. And then give them the one strategy that will always help: WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING YOU CAN. Simple as that. The more you put on the paper, the less you need to keep in short-term memory, and the less likely you are to forget a step or make a mistake.
Suggested Activities
-let child read word problems slowly and carefully several times so that child comprehend.
If possible, break up the problem into smaller segments.
-Allow child to act out the word problems to better comprehend what they are being asked to solve.
-Provide manipulatives to help child visualize the problem.
-Take field or walking trips to figure out distances, speed, area covered, etc.
-Ask child to do surveys, interviews, hands-on research in real-world situations to figure out percentages, differences, and higher-order math skills.
-Allow child to make drawings or diagrams to help them understand problems.
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