Mathnasium centers are math-specialized learning centers that any child can attend year-round to boost mash skills and knowledge. Marsha Rimokh, managing director at the Boca Raton, Florida branch of Mathnasium, says that everyday she sees children grasping math concepts that they previously didn’t understand - and gaining confidence. Find out more below.
Every child will encounter difficulty in his educational experience, be it social or academic. But when a student begins to have trouble in math class, it can be especially difficult to overcome. In an average math class, topics and concepts move quickly from one to the next. If a child misses a fundamental concept, even if he manages to slip by and move onto the next topic, this lack of understanding may cause difficulty in understanding upcoming math concepts. This child is at great risk of moving into “I Hate Math” territory and losing the confidence and knowledge he needs to succeed in future academic endeavors.
But fear not. No matter how behind or confused your child is in his current class, a full mathematical recovery is entirely possible. Comprehensive and specialized math education (like the help provided from us here at Mathnasium learning centers) will help your child get up to speed, and prepare for the long math road ahead in his or her education. With this kind of help, your child will not only catch up…he will come out ahead!
And you, as a parent, can provide immeasurable help as well. Here are some tips for parents who see their kids struggling with making “Number Sense”:
- Math is not a four letter word: A major mistake parents can make is not talking to their kids about math. Many parents read with their children, talk about history, ask about science…but never discuss math. Why not? Surely reading helps them in English class, right? Talking about math can be just as helpful…and it doesn’t have to be boring. Some fun math-tivities: Next time you order a pizza, play a game of fractions. Have your kid cut the pizza into fourths, and then eights. Dining out? Ask your little mathematician to calculate the tip. While shopping at a clothing sale, help your child to determine what those 25% off signs really mean.
- Determine whether your child has “Number Sense”: When talking to your kids about math, and even when playing fun math games with them, try to asses their math ability. Assess if your child seems confused when thinking about a multiplication problem, or seems to only be able to come up with the answer on paper. By recognizing learning patterns and “gaps” in math knowledge, you can help address these specifics with your child, or help a specialized math teacher or tutor to understand some key elements in the learning difficulties your child is dealing with.
- Think “Big Picture”: It can be difficult for any parent to see his child struggling with a school-related issue. Watching your child trying to complete his math homework when he just doesn’t get it may cause you to feel, well, bad. But as hard as it is, I always recommend that parents avoid the temptation to continuously help his child complete or “get through” homework assignments, especially when you don’t get the impression that they truly understand the material or concepts. After all, you can’t be there for him during the tests, or when the teacher calls on him in class.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t help with homework. But watch for signs that your child is lost in his math class, or has a limited understanding of basic math concepts that he will need again and again. It may be time to look for additional help, in order to get to the root of the problem- educational and/or learning gaps.
Watch for the “Bored and Bright Blues”
Math education is a different experience for every student. Just as some children learn math slower than others, some learn more quickly. If you sense your child is slipping into “I hate math” mode even though he seems to understand his schoolwork, he may be bored and becoming disinterested. Try piquing his interest in a math-related after school activity or science club.
Perhaps one of the greatest gifts you can give your child is a lifelong love of learning, and math is a great place to start.
