CRESTVIEW — The administrators and teachers at Bob Sikes Elementary School want parents to be on the same page with their children, when it comes to changes in the state’s curriculum.
“The Florida Standards and the Common Core have increased the rigors over the past few years,” said math coach Jennifer Ferrell. “(Students) have to learn to think for themselves.”
Ferrell, who works as a mathematics coach at several elementary schools in Okaloosa County, was on hand to provide insight to parents on how to help their children at home. Ferrell was one of several educators at the school’s annual 'Math Night' on Thursday.
PHOTOS: See 8 photos from the Bob Sikes Elementary's annual 'Math Night'>>
Third grade math and science teacher Joe Johnson said any kind of educational involvement is beneficial for a child.
“Any time (parents) ask their kids about math, whether it’s about money, or anything like that, (it) helps the kid,” Johnson said.
In addition to finding creative ways to do math outside the classroom, Johnson suggests that parents be inquisitive while helping thier children with math homework.
"One big thing we are focusing on this year is (having students) explain what they did and why,” he said.
Johnson was one of several teachers who had hands-on math activities available for students to solve with assistance from their parents.
Melissa Allen, who currently has one child attending the school, said the curriculum changes in Florida schools are necessary in order for children to be successful.
“We want them to have the best education and we want them to keep moving forward,” she said.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: School encourages parent involvement with ‘Math Night’ (PHOTOS)