How to Help my 8th Grader with Math
Create an empowering environment to help your student conquer math fears.
Published:
Jan 2025
Key takeaways
- Make it visual - Visual aids like line charts or large-scale formula reminders can be beneficial for helping with 8th–grade math. After all, it’s believed that over 65 percent of people are visual learners.
- Keep it consistent - When helping your 8th grader with math, remember that consistency is key. Keeping math in a steady study rotation reinforces the formulas.
- Instill confidence - Reassure your student that math anxiety is common. Anytime they struggle with their 8th–grade math, spend extra time on that math problem. Make it a priority to tackle their hesitations to help rebuild their confidence.
As your student nears the end of middle school, math becomes more complicated. They have learned basic geometry for the last two years and are now studying exponents and the Pythagorean Theorem.
They may have increased math anxiety, too, but don’t worry. You can help them through it. Here’s how to make eighth grade math less scary and even fun with grade-appropriate tools!
Table of contents
Understanding Eighth Grade Math
Cultivating an at-home homework system using the strategies below is one way to keep your 8th grader feeling confident in their math work — and willing to ask for help when needed.
Key Topics Covered
Mathematics covers a lot of ground in 8th grade. Students further develop many fundamental processes they’ve learned in 6th and 7th grade, particularly in geometry and pre-algebra.
Here are the essential learning outcomes for 8th–grade math curriculum:
Geometry
- Understand coordinate grids and their functionality.
- Interpret transformations on a coordinate plane between various geometric figures.
- Know and apply The Pythagorean Theorem (A² + B² = C²).
- Be able to measure congruent angles of parallel lines and triangles.
- Solve for the volume and surface area of cylinders, cones, and spheres.
Expressions and Equations
- Understand how to work through multi-step linear equations, quadratic expressions, and variable expressions.
- Know and apply the rules of exponents, such as the Zero Exponent Law (a⁰ = 1).
- Convey mathematical work through scientific notation.
Functions
- Create accurate linear graphs, functions, and longform equations.
- Understand how to apply the linear rate of change to a graph.
(m = y 2 − y 1 x 2 − x 1)
- Know the difference between a linear and local rate of change and apply them correctly.
DreamBox’s 8th grade curriculum is rigorously designed to match US state math standards, Common Core and several Canadian standards. Learn more about how DreamBox can make your eighth grader more confident with these key math concepts.
8 Effective Ways to Help Students Learn 8th Grade Math
Even if it’s been years since you’ve heard of The Pythagorean Theorem, know that you can help your student succeed. Remembering the rules may take a little time, but you’ll get the hang of it together through practice.
1. Practice, practice, practice
Practice and repetition make memorizing formulas and rules a breeze. Working through math problems with your student strengthens their understanding of the equations.
Focus on the formulas your student struggles with the most. As your student gets used to the math problems, make the formulas more challenging to help grow their confidence in solving multi-step equations.
2. Use visual aids and tools
Visual aids or tools like line charts or large-scale formula reminders are beneficial for 8th–grade math.
For example, pointing to a drawn cylindrical model to remind a stuck student how to solve for volume can be more helpful than just knowing the formula. After all, it’s believed that over 65 percent of people are visual learners.
Solidify tricky math issues by creating a visual aid together! If volume and surface areas are giving your kid trouble, grab some paper and draw out cylinders, cones, and spheres.
Then, write the equations for each alongside them with the appropriate symbols along each side.
Cone: (r = radius, l = slant height, and h = height)
- Volume: (1/3)πr²h
- Surface Area: πr² + πrl
Cylinder: (r = radius and h = height)
- Volume: πr²h
- Surface Area: 2πr² + 2πrh
Sphere: (r = radius)
- Volume: (4/3)πr³
- Surface Area: 4πr²
3. Create a study schedule
Remember that consistency is key. Try to create a study schedule that doesn’t overwhelm your 8th grader but also incorporates math most days. Keeping math in a steady study rotation reinforces the formulas.
If math is your student’s toughest subject, tackle it first in your study or homework schedule. That way, the hardest assignment is done, and they’ll feel relieved to start their other work.
4. Use real-life examples
We’ve heard it before: “When will I ever use this in real life?” Teaching students how to use their math skills in the real world can help motivate them to understand math.
Find a way to cater to your student’s interests and incorporate that into their learning to make it more worthwhile.
Goal: Students who love sports might like to focus their knowledge of angles and trajectory on DIY sports analysis. Watching or playing soccer games is an excellent way for them to incorporate math into an activity they already enjoy.
5. Help them overcome math anxiety
First, reassure your student that math anxiety is common. Anytime they struggle with their 8th–grade math, spend extra time on that issue. Whether it’s practicing linear models or memorizing the Rules of Exponents, make it a priority to tackle their hesitations to help rebuild their confidence.
If your student is getting frustrated doing their homework or working with you on math, have them take a short break. Do some deep breathing exercises together or take a short walk and return to it when they’ve cooled down.
6. Facilitate group study & peer tutoring
Sometimes, the best way to learn is with other students. Through group study or peer tutoring, your student can learn math concepts on their own level. Students can also help each other better understand something through shared language or mutual scenarios.
Consider using a reciprocal tutoring model. This model allows each student to explain the math lesson to the other, solidifying their understanding.
7. Make math fun
Studying math with your student doesn’t have to be a chore. You can introduce games to keep it interesting. This can be very helpful when preparing for a test, showcasing concepts your student needs to practice more.
Play a game of math Jeopardy with your student. This is especially good if you need to study formulas or equations, but it can also easily be applied to laws or theorems.
8. Leverage online resources & tools
Sometimes, you need additional help to keep yourself and your student on track. That’s where online resources come in handy. These tools help in educational and fun-filled ways.
Our math app makes learning fun while keeping track of your student’s progress. We also provide many family-oriented resources to help your child with their 8th–grade math skills.
FAQs about 8th grade math help
Break down their problems and solve each one at a time. This is the most effective solution, particularly with 8th-grade math and multi-step equations, which won’t leave your student unmotivated.
By 8th grade, most students should have a basic understanding of geometry, proportions, pre-algebra, and probability. During their 8th-grade year, they will learn more about algebraic equations, linear functions, the Pythagorean Theorem, and exponents. There is also more emphasis on multi-step equations in 8th-grade math.
Breaking down complex equations or theories makes applying them to long-form equations easier. Students also benefit from visual aids and tools to help them when they get stuck. For instance, label a cylinder’s height and radios alongside the equation for volume.
It can be difficult as it prepares students for high school. That’s because the curriculum builds upon fundamental elements of geometry and pre-algebra. However, memorizing formulas and calculating equations is a big part of understanding 8th–grade math.
