Mathematics

There are times when graphing calculators with no identifying information are left in classrooms or our department office. With this in mind, we encourage students to write their name on the calculator and lid and/or include an identifying mark/sticker on the device. We also recommend completing the survey that can be accessed via the link below so that your information gets added to the database we use to return calculators that are lost or left behind. 

Calculator Survey

Below is information from our department about the graphing calculators we recommend for use in class and on standardized tests (SAT, ACT, etc.). 

Homework Help

Math can be a tricky subject for some students.  High school math classes typically assign between 30-45 minutes of homework a night.  If your student is working in a distraction-free environment and spending more time than this, perhaps he/she is struggling with the concepts the homework addresses.  If your child is having difficulties completing his/her math homework, please encourage them to take the following steps.  

1. Consult notes or work from class. Students will work problems in class that are very similar to those assigned in homework. Review these notes or activities and use these as a guide for the process used. Try to follow the same steps.
2. Review the section in the book. Often the textbook includes explanations to examples which can also jump start students’ thinking process or break the problem down step-by-step.
3. Use digital resources online. There are many websites which contain online videos or offer tutorials. Khan Academy or Virtual Nerd are great tools. Embrace technology and also the peer networks students naturally develop to see if a friend can explain the problem. 

Seeking Help from a Teacher

While it is our hope that all students become independent learners who know what to do when they are stuck, it’s important to remember that they are not alone on this journey. Teachers are available to help students who are having difficulties. It’s best to seek help from a teacher as soon as the struggle begins so the skill can be addressed before it is used or applied in future lessons.  

• Many math teachers travel from classroom to classroom so many have their desks in the department office (351) and can typically be found before/after school. Contact the teacher to confirm their location.
• While teachers are available for help before and after school, other school activities or meetings do limit these offerings. Consult the teacher to check availability and schedule a time when the teacher can provide assistance.
• Encourage your student to try the above homework steps and come with a focus. When students can articulate a specific skill or problem they need help with, it helps focus the session and more time can be spent remediating actual problem, not diagnosing it. 

Tutors

Please understand that seeking help is not always a 1-1 tutoring session with your teacher. Other students also will have questions, especially around the time of a test. If you feel your student would benefit from a 1-1 tutor, we have some volunteer student tutors available and adult tutors for hire.

Student tutors - typically upperclassmen, NHS members, or those in our honors classes who are volunteering their time. There are flyers around the school and teachers have communicated the peer tutoring schedule with their classes. Feel free to ask their teacher or you can email Kerin Sancken, the Math Department Chair at ksancken@hinsdale86.org if you would like more information about our peer tutoring program.

Adult tutors - please email the department chair ksancken@hinsdale86.org for the most updated list of adult tutors for hire in the area.    

We hope these tips will be helpful as your student works through the mathematics curriculum at Hinsdale South.  If you have any concerns about your son/daughter’s progress, email or call your child’s teacher. 

How to Study Math

How do you study for math tests? The same way you learn how to shoot free throws - PRACTICE! For example, a basketball coach would show the athlete how to shoot a free through, give some verbal instructions and then the players would practice a few. The coach would probably give some feedback on form and have the athlete keep practicing. Based on if the free throw was successful or not, the athlete and coach would know how the skill is progressing. A coach wouldn’t expect the players to learn a skill the night before a big game. It requires daily practice. 

Math class works in a similar manner. Teachers demonstrate skills in class and some examples are given. Students and teachers work some together and then the students are assigned homework. No, homework is not given as a punishment, but as a time where the student is asked to independently practice and apply what they saw someone else do. Feedback is given the next day in class or even in the form of “back of the book” answers. This feedback is critical to making adjustments to see how the skills are progressing.   By practicing, students are actually studying math. Studying math is not something that should just happen the night before a quiz or test. Below are a few tips to make this process go smoothly. 

Throughout the Unit:

1. Actively participate in class

• Be engaged in the activities and examples done in class.
• If you are stuck, ask a question.
• Don’t just copy the notes without thinking, think through what is presented.
• Try problems on your own. Make mistakes!  You won’t do it again then on the test!

2. Take notes

• If the teacher writes it down, so should you!  
• Here is where teachers might cover extra material that’s not in the section and you won’t remember it days later if you don’t write it down when it’s presented.
• Many examples are worked out step by step- jot down the verbal explanation too, especially if you were confused at first.
• Keep your notes organized so you can find them later.

3. Do quality homework assignments.  

• Don’t just put numbers down to get credit. Follow notes and examples from class as a guide.
• Memorize the key formulas, rules, properties, etc. Learn the symbols and the meaning too. 
• Check your homework carefully so you get feedback.
• Highlight problems you got wrong or ones you needed to get help on so you go back and study them.

4. Come in for help as soon as you realize you don’t understand something 

Right Before a Test/Quiz:

1. Review notes and worksheets from class. It’s not always content from the book that you’ll see on the exam.

2. Review the problems you couldn’t do on your own at first from the homework.

3. You must get independent practice without using your notes.

4. Do the assigned review problems or study guide. If you need more problems, rework previously done examples from your notes or book or try some additional ones that have answers in the back. 

5. See your teacher with last minute questions- errors you can’t catch.  Now is not the time to learn major skills.

Remember: Studying Math = Daily Practice. You might understand concepts when your teacher shows you, but doing the problems on your own is much more challenging without practicing the content.  Make mistakes while you practice.  Good luck.

A Parents' Guide to Success