Riverside Elementary School has started a monthly math class aimed at helping caregivers support their children’s learning. The initiative was developed by principal LaRonda Peterson, with math resource teachers Shala Ott and Suzanne Jolevski leading the workshops.
“I hoped parents would be interested in understanding what their children were learning in math class, and that doing so would boost parental engagement in their child’s academic life, and help drive home the need for regular school attendance,” said Peterson. “Because when you start to miss even the occasional day of school, you can miss critical instructional time, especially in math.”
The program began last month with about thirty parents attending the first session. “We didn’t know if anyone would show up that morning when we hosted our first workshop, but I was thrilled when we had around thirty parents arrive,” Peterson added.
During the workshop, parents learned about fact fluency and classroom strategies. They also received family games to reinforce learning at home, including a free set of dominoes. Riverside students demonstrated some of the techniques used in class. Fourth grader Alex participated by solving multiplication problems using visual aids.
Milvia Ramirez, who attended the workshop and has two daughters at Riverside Elementary School, found it helpful to understand current teaching methods. “I tried teaching them my way, but they said, ‘No, no, no, no, mom. That’s not how we do it.’” She encouraged other parents to join future sessions as well.
Jacqueline Martinez also attended and emphasized the difference between memorization and understanding in today’s approach to teaching math. “There’s a focus on understanding rather than just memorizing these days,” she said. “The workshops are a valuable learning tool to help us help our students. By attending, it also demonstrates to our children that we are invested in their success.”
These parent workshops support Fairfax County Public Schools’ Strategic Plan 2023-2030 under Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School & Community Partnerships.
