Questions parents ask
	My child is only five and can count up to 50. That's clever isn't it?
	Yes that's great, but make sure your child can count things as well as say the numbers. In other words, when children count actual objects (like building bricks or sweets) make sure they are pointing to, or 'checking off', the objects one by one as they say the numbers. You may find they are not doing this yet and that they lose count after so many. But don't worry, with practice they will be able to do this confidently.
	Should I make my child learn their times tables by a certain age?
	Schools are working towards getting every child to learn up to their ten times table by the end of Year 5, when most children will be ten years old. Encourage your child to learn their tables 'by heart' as they move up from Year 2 (age seven and above), but it will help to remember these tips. First, use a young child's fingers to help as you count 'One times two is two'. Second, start with the easier tables like two, three, five and ten times table. Third, join in with them as they count aloud (such as counting 5p coins) and when they are confident about this, they can then learn 'by heart'. Fourth, learn tables 'inside out and back to front' in other words, not just 'five threes are 15' but also talk about how 'three fives are 15' too and '15 divided by five is three' and '15 divided by three is five'. It all helps, but above all, try to make learning their tables fun!
	My child did not reach Level 2 in Key Stage 1 in maths. I am very worried. What should I do?
	At the school's parents' evening, ask your child's teacher which particular areas of maths your child seems to find difficult. Also, ask the teacher how you can help your child at home to meet the targets that have been set for him or her at school. Encourage them with their homework and play maths games and activities to give them lots of practice and confidence with maths. Finally, try not to worry too much. Your child will know if you are worried and this won't help their confidence.
	Should I let my child use a calculator?
	If necessary - yes. For example, if you are doing a 'brain teaser' like working out how many minutes you have been alive, then a calculator is useful once you know which numbers you are going to multiply.
	Sometimes my child asks for help with homework, but I don't know how best to do this. What should I do?
	Start by asking your child to explain, as well as they can, what the homework is. Read any instructions aloud and talk it through with your child, to try and put the tasks in order. Try to help your child in such a way that they feel they have done it for themselves. Take time to sit down and talk with your child about their homework and try to work it out with them. That will give them confidence to do it on their own next time. If this is a regular problem, speak to your child's teacher about it.
		Questions parents ask
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