In order to get the most out of IXL Math, try some of the ideas below, or submit your own in the comment box at the bottom of the page.

Flexibility Activity

With your child, talk about what he is learning in a particular chapter or unit in his math textbook. Ask him to apply what he is learning in the classroom setting to the online forum that IXL Math provides. Talk to him about the differences in answering questions on a worksheet and on a screen. Often, on-screen math problems will make your child want to answer questions at a faster pace, as the "submit" button, looms in plain sight. However, be sure you and your child acknowledge the differences between each learning medium, using both digital and print questions to maximize learning potential.

Working Memory Activity

Use IXL Math with your child to reinforce what he has been learning in class. For example, if your fourth grade child is learning about "unit prices," in school, be sure to check out IXL Math's corresponding section each day. The more often course content is reinforced, the easier time your child will have studying and committing problem solving strategies to memory. If your child has demonstrated a mastery of a subject area, encourage him check his syllabus to see what will be taught next. Your child can get a head start on new material, using IXL Math as a way of learning new subject matter - which will ultimately allow him more time to commit newer concepts to memory.

Math Activity

Have your child use IXL Learning to get a jump start on the next chapter in his math studies. If your child is about to start learning fractions, for example, use the site as a way to introduce the basic functions of the concept, like splitting numbers in half, or adding up 3 thirds to make a whole. Begin by reading over the introductory material with him and then try a few exercises. Make sure to help him along the way, so when it comes time to fully tackle the topic in class, he'll already be primed on the basics.

IXL Math & ADHD

Children with ADHD often struggle to retain information that they learned in class. As a result they labor over homework problems, sometimes failing to hand in assignments due to frustration that their forgetfulness causes. Inattentiveness during class can cause the quality of notes to suffer, further resulting in the inability to complete practice problems while at home.

Using IXL Math, children with ADHD can be better equipped to excel in their math classes, as they are given the opportunity to get extra practice on nearly every mathematical subject that will encounter while in school. The immediate feedback that the site provides, will give them the opportunity to learn from their mistakes in a fun and interactive environment.

How to Use IXL Math for Children with ADHD

• Because children with ADHD have difficulties with structure, it is imperative that these children have strict, regimented practice times when they will use IXL Math. Blocks of time should be set aside each day for IXL Math practice, in additional to their regular homework schedule. The extra practice will not only help reinforce learned material, but it will also introduce children to problem solving in the digital medium.

• Children with ADHD will find it beneficial to use IXL Math over summer vacation. They will have the opportunity to prepare for the next school year, months in advance. It might be best for them to work through the material from the previous year first, as a way to activate their working memories. After they have demonstrated a mastery of the old material, children can move on the new concepts, and prepare themselves for the upcoming year.

• IXL Math allows children with ADHD to exercise their flexibility skills. Because they must adapt their problem solving strategies to the digital medium, they will be using mental math to answer many of the questions. Children with ADHD will learn to distinguish between questions they can answer using mental math, and more difficult questions that will require a pencil and paper. When it comes time for them to take standardized tests, these children will spend less time on easier questions, allowing them the ability to work through longer problems at a slower pace.

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