TIPS Math

Illustrates clearly how the teacher taught the skill in class;
Allows students to demonstrate, discuss, and celebrate their mastery of new math skills;
Enables parents to stay informed about their children's math work;
Encourages parents to communicate with teachers about their observations and questions concerning their children's homework and progress in math.

TIPS Math Format

Look This Over shows an example of a skill that was taught in class, and allows the student to explain the skill to a parent or family partner. The answer to this example is given.
Now Try This presents another example for the student to demonstrate how to do the particular skill, with the answer on the back of the page.
Practice and More Practice are regular homework problems for the student to master the skill.
Let's Find Out or In the Real World may be added to help the student and family partner discover and discuss how the math skill is used at home or in common situations. Games or other interactions may be included to reinforce the math skill.
Home-to-school communication invites the family partner to record an observation, comment, or question for the math teacher about the skill the student demonstrated.
Parent signature is requested on each activity.

Use clear, readable type on two sides of one page.
Print on light colored paper that stands out in students' notebooks and is easy on the eyes.
Assigned on a regular schedule (e.g., once a week or every other week) to help students share their work and to keep families aware of what their children are learning in math classes.

Epstein, J. L. (2001). Chapter 6 in School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Preparing Educators and Improving Schools. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
Epstein, J. L. & Van Voorhis, F.L. (2002). Chapter 8 in School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Your Handbook for Action. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.