Same Help with homework the way it's taught now.
Number bonds, sound boxes, RACES, Cornell notes. If your child's homework looks nothing like yours did, each guide explains the method in about a minute, tells you what to say, and gives you a free practice sheet.
Math87 methodsK–10Reading36 methodsK–5Writing25 methods3–8Study skills19 methods4–8Social studies18 methods4–8Science11 methods3–8
60-second explanationsOne picture and a plain-English answer for every method.
What to say, what to skipSo you help without undoing what the teacher taught.
Free practice sheetsFresh sheets every time, with an answer key.
¿Habla español? Guías de matemáticas de kínder a 8.º grado en español.
Free to use. Optional extras: printable books for parents, $8–$9 and classroom packs for teachers, $4. See every price.
Type a word from the worksheet to filter the list below, or paste the homework instructions and press Enter for the best match.
No method name matches that. Press Enter to search inside the guides, try a shorter word, or see everything again.
Stuck on a word? See homework words A–Z.
Math methods
Grades K–2
Counting, adding and subtracting, place value
Number bondsGrades K–2 · Splitting a number into two partsExpanded formGrades 1–4 · Writing a number as the sum of its place valuesFact familiesGrades 1–3 · Three numbers, four related factsBase-ten blocksGrades 1–2 · Cubes, rods and flats for ones, tens and hundredsHundreds chartGrades K–2 · The 1–100 grid for counting patterns and jumpsOpen number lineGrades 1–3 · Adding and subtracting in jumpsTen framesGrades K–1 · A 2-by-5 box for seeing numbers up to 10Making tenGrades 1–2 · Adding by getting to 10 firstSkip countingGrades 1–3 · Counting by 2s, 5s, 10s and 100sArraysGrades 2–3 · Rows and columns that show multiplicationPartial sumsGrades 2–3 · Adding by place value, then combiningDoubles and near doublesGrades 1–2 · Using 6 + 6 to solve 6 + 7Counting on and backGrades K–1 · Adding or subtracting by counting from a numberThink addition to subtractGrades 1–3 · Turning take-away into a missing-number problemSubitizingGrades K–1 · Seeing how many at a glance, without countingRekenrekGrades K–1 · A bead rack for seeing 5s and 10sEqual groupsGrades 2–3 · Multiplication as groups of the same size
Grades 3–5
Multiplying, dividing, fractions and decimals
Tape diagramsGrades 1–6 · Bars that show a word problemArea modelGrades 3–5 · Multiplying with boxesPartial productsGrades 4–5 · Multiplying one place at a time, in a columnPartial quotientsGrades 4–5 · Dividing by taking away easy groupsPlace value chartGrades 2–5 · Columns that show what each digit is worthBreak apart to multiplyGrades 3–4 · Splitting a fact into two easier factsBenchmark fractionsGrades 4–5 · Comparing fractions to 0, ½ and 1Fraction stripsGrades 3–4 · Bars cut into equal pieces to compare fractionsFractions on a number lineGrade 3 · Placing fractions between 0 and 1Equivalent fractions with modelsGrades 3–4 · Different fractions, same amountArea model for divisionGrades 4–5 · Dividing by building a rectangle in partsLattice multiplicationGrades 4–5 · Multiplying in a grid with diagonalsDecimal gridsGrades 4–5 · Hundred-square grids for tenths and hundredthsCompensationGrades 2–4 · Making a number friendly, then adjustingRounding on a number lineGrades 3–4 · Finding the nearest ten or hundredEstimating with compatible numbersGrades 3–5 · Swapping in friendly numbers to estimateDecomposing fractionsGrade 4 · Breaking a fraction into smaller partsArea model for fraction multiplicationGrade 5 · Multiplying fractions by overlapping shaded partsUnlike denominators with modelsGrade 5 · Adding fractions by re-cutting into same-size piecesThe standard algorithmGrades 4–6 · The stacked method, and when it arrivesKeyword strategies like CUBESGrades 1–5 · Why teachers moved away from keyword hunting
Grade 6
Ratios
Grades 7–8
Integers, equations, percents, slope and more
Integer chipsGrade 7 · Adding and subtracting negatives with zero pairsIntegers on a number lineGrades 6–7 · Moving left and right past zeroAlgebra tilesGrades 7–8 · Shapes for x, x² and 1 to combine like termsThe balance methodGrades 7–8 · Solving equations by keeping both sides equalPercent barsGrades 6–7 · A bar split into tenths for percent problemsProportional relationshipsGrade 7 · Tables, graphs and the constant kThe box method in algebraGrades 7–9 · Distributing, multiplying and factoring with a gridSlope trianglesGrade 8 · Rise over run, drawn on the graphThe Pythagorean theorem with squaresGrade 8 · a² + b² = c², shown with areasExponent rules by expandingGrade 8 · Writing out the factors to see the rulesSolving systems by graphingGrade 8 · Two lines, one point where they crossProbability tree diagramsGrade 7 · Listing every outcome of two events
Algebra 1: factoring
Grades 8–10 · the box, the X method, slide and divide, grouping
Factoring with the boxAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Running the box method backwards to factorThe X methodAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · A diamond puzzle that finds the two numbersSlide and divideAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Factoring when there's a number in front of x²Factoring by groupingAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Split the middle, pull out what each pair sharesDifference of squares and perfect squaresAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Two patterns that factor on sight
Algebra 1: quadratics
Grades 8–10 · completing the square, the quadratic formula, parabolas
Completing the square with tilesAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Building the missing corner of a squareThe zero product propertyAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Solving a factored equation one factor at a timeThe quadratic formulaAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · The formula that solves every quadraticGraphing parabolasAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Axis of symmetry, vertex and a mirrored tableVertex form and shiftsAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Reading the vertex straight from the equation
Algebra 1: functions and lines
Grades 8–10 · function tables, slope-intercept form, systems
Function tables and function machinesAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Input, rule, outputFunction notationAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · What f(3) actually meansSlope-intercept formAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · y = mx + b from a graph, table or two pointsSystems by substitution and eliminationAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Two equations, one answer, no graphGraphing inequalitiesAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Open and closed circles, and flipping the signLinear vs. exponential tablesAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Adding the same amount vs. multiplying
Algebra 1: more topics
Grades 8–10 · point-slope form, sequences, radicals, polynomials
Point-slope and standard formAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · y − y₁ = m(x − x₁), and Ax + By = CArithmetic and geometric sequencesAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Add the same amount or multiply by the same amountSimplifying radicalsAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Pull out the biggest perfect squareAdding, subtracting and multiplying polynomialsAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Combine like terms, and the box for multiplyingScatter plots and lines of fitAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Spot the trend, draw a line, make a predictionLiteral equationsAlgebra 1 · grades 8–10 · Solving a formula for a different letter
Geometry
Grades 9–10 · two-column proofs, congruence, similar triangles, trig
Two-column proofsGeometry · grades 9–10 · Statements on the left, reasons on the rightTriangle congruence and CPCTCGeometry · grades 9–10 · SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS and HL shortcutsParallel lines and transversalsGeometry · grades 9–10 · The eight angles, and which ones matchSimilar triangles and scale factorGeometry · grades 9–10 · Same shape, different size, a proportion to solveSOH CAH TOAGeometry · grades 9–10 · Sine, cosine and tangent in right trianglesTransformations with coordinate rulesGeometry · grades 9–10 · Slides, flips, turns and resizes as rulesFlowchart and paragraph proofsGeometry · grades 9–10 · The same proof in boxes or in sentences
Geometry: measurement and figures
Grades 9–10 · special right triangles, circles, volume, constructions
Special right trianglesGeometry · grades 9–10 · 45-45-90 and 30-60-90 shortcutsDistance and midpoint formulasGeometry · grades 9–10 · How far apart, and what's halfwayCircles: arcs, angles and equationsGeometry · grades 9–10 · Central angles, inscribed angles and (x − h)² + (y − k)² = r²Area and volume formulasGeometry · grades 9–10 · Prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones and spheresProperties of quadrilateralsGeometry · grades 9–10 · The family tree from parallelogram to squareCompass and straightedge constructionsGeometry · grades 9–10 · Copy, bisect and build with two tools
Reading methods
36 reading guides, from preschool rhymes to fifth-grade text evidence.
Start here
The two questions parents ask most
Hearing sounds
Grades PreK–1 · blending, sound boxes, rhyming
Rhyming and syllable clappingGrades PreK–K · Hearing rhymes and the beats in wordsBlending soundsGrades K–1 · Putting sounds together to read a wordSegmenting and sound tappingGrades K–1 · Breaking a word into its soundsSound boxesGrades K–2 · One box for each sound in a wordPhoneme manipulationGrades K–2 · Swapping, adding and removing sounds
Letters and sounds
Grades K–2 · letter sounds, CVC words, digraphs, heart words
Pure letter soundsKindergarten · Letter sounds without the extra “uh”Sound wallsGrades K–2 · Sounds grouped by how your mouth makes themCVC wordsKindergarten · Short words like cat, sit and hopHeart wordsGrades K–2 · Common words with a part to learn by heartDigraphsGrades K–1 · Two letters that make one soundConsonant blendsGrade 1 · Two consonants you can hear, like st and flWord chainsGrades K–2 · Change one sound at a time: cat, hat, hotDecodable booksGrades K–2 · Books written with only the sounds taught so far
Advanced phonics and spelling
Grades 1–3 · silent e, vowel teams, syllables
Silent eGrade 1 · The e that makes the vowel say its nameVowel teamsGrades 1–2 · Two vowels that make one sound, like oa in boatR-controlled vowelsGrades 1–2 · Bossy r: ar, or, er, ir, urSix syllable typesGrades 1–3 · Closed, open, silent e, vowel team, r-controlled, C-leSyllable divisionGrades 2–3 · Splitting long words: rabbit, tiger, camelSpelling rulesGrades 1–3 · FLOSS, -ck, -tch and -dgeDictationGrades 1–3 · Spelling what you hear, sound by sound
Word study and vocabulary
Grades 1–5 · word parts and context clues
Base words and endingsGrades 1–3 · -s, -ed and -ing, and the three sounds of -edPrefixes and suffixesGrades 2–4 · Word parts that change meaning: un-, re-, -ful, -lessGreek and Latin rootsGrades 3–5 · Word parts like port, tele and graphContext cluesGrades 2–5 · Using the sentence to figure out a new word
Fluency
Grades K–3 · reading smoothly
Comprehension
Grades K–5 · retelling, main idea, text evidence
Story retellingGrades 1–3 · Somebody, Wanted, But, So, ThenMain idea and detailsGrades 2–4 · What a text is mostly about, and the facts that show itMaking inferencesGrades 2–5 · Text clues + what I know = inferenceText structuresGrades 3–5 · How nonfiction is organizedText evidence and RACEGrades 3–5 · Restate, Answer, Cite, ExplainAnnotating and close readingGrades 3–5 · Reading a short text several times, marking it upKnowledge-building unitsGrades K–5 · Weeks on one topic, like volcanoes or ancient Egypt
Writing methods
25 guides to the writing formulas schools teach in grades 3–8, from RACES and the hamburger paragraph to argument essays and editing checklists.
Start here
Why the formulas, and how writing is graded
Answering questions
Grades 3–8 · RACES, ACE, TAG, CER, quoting
RACESGrades 3–8 · Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain, Sum it upACE and ACESGrades 3–5 · Answer, Cite, Explain: the shorter RACETAGGrades 3–5 · Turn the question, Answer it, Give evidenceClaim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER)Grades 4–8 · Making a claim and proving it with dataQuoting and paraphrasingGrades 4–8 · Using the author's words or your own
Building paragraphs
Grades 2–8 · hamburger, color-coding, PEEL, transitions, hooks
The hamburger paragraphGrades 2–5 · Topic sentence, details, closingColor-coded paragraphsGrades 3–6 · Green, yellow, red: topic, reasons, detailsPEEL paragraphsGrades 5–8 · Point, Evidence, Explain, LinkTransition wordsGrades 3–8 · Words that link ideas: first, also, howeverHooksGrades 4–8 · Five ways to start strong: question, fact, saying, story, bold statement
Essays
Grades 4–8 · five-paragraph, thesis, opinion, argument
The five-paragraph essayGrades 4–8 · Introduction, three body paragraphs, conclusionThesis statementsGrades 4–8 · One sentence that states the main point, often with three reasonsOpinion writing and OREOGrades 2–5 · Opinion, Reason, Example, OpinionClaims, counterclaims and rebuttalsGrades 6–8 · Arguing a side and answering the other sideCompare and contrast essaysGrades 3–8 · Venn diagrams, then block or point-by-point
Stories, reports and summaries
Grades 3–8 · narratives, informational writing, summaries
The story mountainGrades 2–6 · Beginning, rising action, climax, falling action, resolutionShow, don't tellGrades 3–8 · Actions, senses and dialogue instead of naming feelingsInformational writing organizersGrades 3–8 · Topic, subtopics and facts, planned on a webWriting summariesGrades 3–8 · Somebody-Wanted-But-So-Then and the 5 Ws
Sentences and editing
Grades 3–8 · sentence types, revising, editing
Simple, compound and complex sentencesGrades 3–8 · FANBOYS and AAAWWUBBISExpanding sentencesGrades 2–5 · Adding who, what, when, where, why and howRevising and editing: ARMS and CUPSGrades 3–6 · Fix the ideas, then fix the rulesSelf-check lists: COPSGrades 2–5 · Capitals, Organization, Punctuation, Spelling
Study skills
19 guides to how schools teach kids to learn: taking notes, reading textbooks, getting organized and studying for tests.
Start here
Study skills in plain English, and what AVID means
Taking notes
Grades 4–8 · Cornell notes, columns, mind maps, sticky-note codes
Cornell notesGrades 4–8 · Notes, cue questions and a summary on one pageTwo- and three-column notesGrades 4–8 · Main ideas and details; terms, meanings and examplesMind maps and concept mapsGrades 4–8 · Notes drawn as a web of ideasMargin notes and sticky-note codesGrades 4–8 · Marking a textbook you can't write in
Reading to learn
Grades 4–8 · SQ3R, text features, quick summaries
Getting organized
Grades 4–8 · planners, projects, binders, priorities
Planners and assignment notebooksGrades 4–8 · Writing down every assignment and due dateBreaking big projects into chunksGrades 4–8 · Planning backward from the due dateBinder and folder systemsGrades 4–8 · A place for every paperMust do, should do, could doGrades 4–8 · Setting priorities on a to-do list
Studying for tests
Grades 4–8 · flashcards, study calendars, self-quizzing, test strategies
Retrieval practice and flashcardsGrades 4–8 · Pulling facts out of memory, the Leitner boxSpaced practice and study calendarsGrades 4–8 · Short study sessions spread out before a testSelf-quizzing and brain dumpsGrades 4–8 · Write what you know, then checkTest-taking strategiesGrades 4–8 · Process of elimination, reading every choice, checking answers
Thinking about learning
Grades 4–8 · asking better questions, setting goals
Science practices
11 guides to how science class works now: hypotheses, variables and fair tests, graphing data, and explaining results with claim, evidence and reasoning.
Planning investigations
Grades 3–8 · hypotheses, variables, fair tests
Working with data
Grades 3–8 · graphs, data tables and averages, metric units
Explaining results
Grades 3–8 · CER, lab write-ups, models
Phenomena and design
Grades 3–8 · noticing and wondering, the engineering design process
Social studies
18 guides to how history and geography are taught now: reading sources like historians, writing with evidence, timelines and maps.
Start here
How social studies is taught now
Reading sources
Grades 4–8 · SOAPSTone, HIPP, cartoons, sourcing, graphs
Writing about history
Grades 4–8 · claim and evidence, DBQs, point of view
Time and change
Grades 4–8 · timelines, cause and effect, change over time
Maps and geography
Grades 4–8 · map elements, latitude and longitude, scale, five themes