Mathnasium centers are math-specialized learning centers that any child can attend year-round to boost math skills and knowledge. Marsha Rimokh is the managing director of the Boca Raton, Florida, branch of Mathnasium. Below, Rimokh gives some some helpful advice on providing support for your child, and on how to identify and reward progress.
How to Validate Progress
Well, there are the obvious ones: report card, test scores, etc. The progress may be slow and steady, or it might be quite dramatic. Sometimes the instructor goes over a fundamental math concept, and a student just gets it, and then getting other concepts gets a whole lot easier. But whether it’s a whole grade improvement over last semester, or slow climb in quiz scores, all progress should be recognized and rewarded.
Besides those more obvious areas to look for improvement, there are also huge changes in attitude and behavior that can be expected from a child who is becoming more knowledgeable and skilled at math. Once a student realized he’s not doomed to hate and perform badly in math class for his entire educational career, a huge attitude adjustment will likely be seen. A student will become more confident, and will develop a sense of pride in being able to complete math problems he previously wouldn’t have been able to.
Participating in the Mathnasium program will also help a student to feel more independent and capable. By moving from a situation in which he felt somewhat powerless (such as trying for hours to understand fractions, only to feel more confused than when they started) to taking control of his future by seeking and receiving the help they need, this student will see the value in initiative.
How to and How Not to Reward Progress
Personally, I don’t believe in rewarding children with large monetary rewards or extravagant “things”, although certainly it’s ultimately the parents’ decision.
I think it’s more effective to really celebrate a child’s success in math with a family activity, like going out to dinner or having a special game night. Perhaps the most important thing to give a child who is working hard to improve their math knowledge is simply recognition. Make sure to tell them what a great job you think they’re doing, and how proud you are of their effort and improving math skills.
Here at Mathnasium, our instructors celebrate every success- big and small. We do have a small reward system, with punch cards for special practice pages. After a certain number of punches, students get to choose from an assortment of little prizes. Again, though, the greater reward is praise from the instructors, and acknowledgment of what a great job the kids are doing. When a student really masters an idea or concept, he takes pride in it. When his or her instructors and parents also show their pride, it really means a great deal to the student and gives him an even bigger boost of confidence.
Parental Support
Emotional support from parents is huge for any child who is struggling with learning. When they have first begun the program, many students may feel discouraged or nervous about math. A parents’ support can help them to realize that they will improve. Let them know that you believe in them. Ask them questions about what they learned that day, and share with them how proud you are of them for working so hard. As I mentioned, while we at Mathnasium are working with them to build a strong foundation in math, you will see changes in their behavior and attitude. Recognize and support these positive changes!
Another great way to support your budding mathematician is to play fun math games when the opportunity arises. Ask a math question on the way to school; ask your child what fraction of pizza slices are left.
