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When parents know a different method

Parent Teacher

When parents know a different method

Show how to compare methods and keep the child's school approach clear.

Quick answer

When parents know a different method, it's okay to use it at home – but it's important to keep the school method clear and consistent for your child so they don’t get confused.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to support your child with maths at home while still respecting their school’s approach, so they feel confident and not mixed up.

Why this matters

Maths is a subject where children often learn new methods at school and then try to use different ones at home. This can lead to confusion. As a parent or carer, it's helpful to understand both methods and to support your child without causing them to mix things up. When you're clear about what they're learning, it helps them build confidence and trust in their maths skills.

How it works

There are a few simple steps to follow when helping your child with maths at home:

Ask your child what method they're learning at school.
Find out if your method is different – and that’s okay!
Use the school method when you're helping with homework or practice.
Use your own method for fun maths games or extra practice at home.
Keep communication open with your child’s teacher if you're unsure.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine your child is learning to multiply using a method called "the grid method" at school. This looks like this:

20	3
10	30
200	60

If you know another method, like repeated addition (10 + 10 + 10 + 10 = 40), you can still use that at home for fun, but for homework, it’s better to follow the grid method your child is learning. Let’s look at a simple example:

10 x 23 = 230
Using grid method: 10 x 20 = 200, 10 x 3 = 30, so 200 + 30 = 230
Using repeated addition: 23 + 23 + 23 + 23 + 23 + 23 + 23 + 23 + 23 + 23 = 230

Both are correct, but the school method is the one they're using in class.

Try it as a mini adventure

Let’s imagine you're helping your child with a maths challenge. You're both building a model house using blocks. You need to count how many blocks are in each wall.

First, you decide to count them in rows: 5 blocks in each row, and 4 rows.
Your child says, “We can do this by adding 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 20.”
You say, “That’s one way! I like to think of it as 4 groups of 5 blocks, so 4 x 5 = 20.”
Then you both build a bigger wall and count the blocks using both methods.
Finally, you ask your child, “Which way do you think is easier to use in school?”

This way, your child sees both methods, but knows which one to use in class.

Common mistakes

Mistake: Using your method instead of the school method when helping with homework.
Why it happens: Parents think their way is better or more familiar.
Fix: Always follow the method taught in school for homework, but use your method for fun or extra practice.
Mistake: Not asking the child what method they’re learning.
Why it happens: Parents assume they know what the child is doing.
Fix: Ask your child, “What are you learning in maths today?” or check their homework book.
Mistake: Getting upset if the child uses a different method.
Why it happens: Parents feel confused or worried.
Fix: Stay calm and explain that both methods work, but they should use the school one in class.

Parent and carer guide

Here’s how to help your child with maths at home, in just a few minutes:

Ask your child what method they're learning in school.
Check your child’s homework or ask the teacher if you're not sure.
Use the school method for homework help, but your own method for games.
Let your child explain what they're learning – it helps them remember.
Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything – it’s okay to say, “Let’s look this up together.”

You can also help by:

Using everyday examples like counting money, measuring ingredients, or sharing snacks.
Playing games that use numbers – like board games, card games, or apps.
Reading maths books or watching maths videos together.

Practice questions

Which method should you use when helping with homework?
Why is it okay to use your own method at home?
How can you find out what method your child is learning?
What should you do if you don’t know what method your child is using?
Can you explain why it’s helpful to use the school method in class?

Answers:

Use the method taught in school.
It helps you have fun with maths without confusing your child.
Ask them, check their homework, or talk to their teacher.
Ask the teacher or look in their book.
Because it helps them learn and remember the correct way to solve problems.

FAQ

What if I don’t know the method my child is learning?

If you're unsure, ask your child’s teacher or check the school’s website for helpful resources. It’s okay to learn together!

Should I always use the school method when helping my child?

Yes, for homework and practice, use the school method. You can use your own method for fun games or extra practice.

Can I teach my child a different way if it's easier?

Yes, but only for fun or extra practice. Keep the school method clear for school work.

How can I help my child feel confident with maths?

Support them by asking questions, letting them explain their thinking, and showing that it’s okay to make mistakes.

What if my child gets confused because of different methods?

Stay calm, explain that both methods work, and encourage them to use the school method in class. It helps them build confidence.