A Parent's Guide to the Fundamentals of Math in Ontario

In a response to the overall decline in EQAO math scores, the Ontario Ministry of Education is asking all educators to focus on math fundamentals and is providing a number of supports and resources to help. Most recently, the Ministry released a resource called A Parent’s Guide to the Fundamentals of Math (see link below).

The downloadable document guides parents to the current Ontario math curriculum and highlights some of the fundamental math concepts and skills. It provides an overview of what Ontario students in Grades 1 to 8 are learning in math. It also provides information on how parents can support their children’s math learning at home.

Making sure that students have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of math is one of the best ways to prepare them for success, now and in the future. What students learn today will help best position them to solve everyday problems and to increase their employability in tomorrow’s economy.

It is important that math is made a priority, by finding ways to help your children with math at home and in their child's daily life. Parents can help to inspire a love of learning and a better understanding of math by supporting their children when they face math struggles.

Most students learn math facts gradually over a number of years as they build their knowledge and confidence in their own ability to do math. By developing a strong understanding of numbers, students will be able to perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately – whether they do so mentally, on paper, or by using a calculator. The ultimate goal is for them to be able to perform mathematical procedures with ease. This skill will also support students as they develop their skills in critical thinking and problem solving.

At Mathnasium, we can help parents and educators bare some of the responsibility and provide the math support needed to help math make sense for their child. Contact us to book your risk-free assessment and get you started on supporting your child’s math learning.

https://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/parent_guide_math_en.pdf