Summer Math Learning at Mathnasium of Benton Bryant

As the 2019-2020 school year comes to an official close, there are many questions that parents and educators are grappling with because of Covid 19.  Between March, when schools closed, and the potential start of the new school year in August, children in the Benton Bryant area, and Saline county will have been out of the classroom for nearly five months. 

Students who struggle in math are in danger of falling further behind because they were unable to get the support, they needed to address their gaps. 

The growth in abilities for advanced math students may be stunted since school distance learning plans are more review vs. introduction of new material.

• The normal two-month summer vacation resulted in a loss of academic abilities and was termed the Summer Slide.  What impact will the five months of a “Covid Slide” mean for my child?

• What will the budget cuts predicted for schools mean for my child’s learning, class size or access to resources?

• Because the entire final grading period was disrupted, will students truly be prepared to start the new school year and do the material they will see on day one?

• For students navigating key academic transitions -- third to fourth grade, starting middle school, taking Algebra 1-- what impact will this have on their readiness?

• Are they prepared for the workload and increased pace of homework that advanced and honors classes, such as Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2 and Pre-calculus, etc., require?

There are many unknowns.  However, research from the NWEA forecasts some students may be as much as a year behind in math when they are able to finally return to their classroom.  That assumes school starts on time in August.

A study that looked at the impact of a teacher strike on students, and the resulting lost time in the classroom, followed kids over several decades.  That study found it impacted not only a child’s immediate learning but had long-term consequences, most significantly impacting their earning potential due to implications on higher education and career pursuits.

This summer will prove critical to mitigate the impact the Covid 19 disruption is having on learning and school calendars.    

Summer is Uniquely Suited to Math Learning and Academic Instruction

Summer is a fantastic time for kids to learn math. Summer months provide children with a relaxed environment. This is conducive to clarifying and reinforcing learning and introducing new concepts. Without the burden of daily distance learning assignments and homework, children have more time, are less tired, and better focused. Mathnasium of Benton Bryant students enrolled during our summer math learning and math tutoring make tremendous strides in a relatively short period of time.

The good news is those who participate in Benton Bryant summer math learning and math tutoring programs retain, and even increase, their skills. And those skills last a long time. In fact, a RAND Corporation study determined the effects of summer math education and academic experiences last for at least two years. 

A student's membership in the math education program at Mathnasium of Benton Bryant during the summer and throughout the year includes: 

• Math instruction customized to your child’s abilities, learning style and pace.

• Math homework help on summer math packets and for virtual classes. 

• Fun, positive and confidence building educational environment. Students want to participate!

• Flexible start dates. No long-term contracts necessary. All memberships are month to month.

• Flexible instruction options for Mathnasium members, including face-to-face instruction via video conference technology with Mathnasium @home or in-person math tutoring at our Benton Bryant math learning center.   

• Strategies that develop a student’s abilities to work independently.

• Parental support in the form of progress reports and monthly updates on skills mastered.

• Growth based learning plans that are updated.

• A proven track record of producing measurable results for:
  • Advanced and gifted students seeking math instruction for enrichment.
  • Students who need math tutoring assistance to learn for understanding, catch up and prepare for the new school year.
  • Math test prep for the SAT and ACT.

During the summer, under normal circumstances, many students lose math skills. If you ask teachers about the skill level of their students in the fall, they will tell you children are not ready to pick up where they left off.  Again, that is under ordinary circumstances.  It is anticipated to be even more problematic because of Covid-19 disruptions.  If those skills are not re-visited, or the students do not understand the skills upon completing classroom reviews, children are in danger of falling behind in math as new concepts are introduced.

Unfortunately, many “normal” summer plans will be upended.  Vacations may need to be rescheduled and summer camps ranging from day camp, STEM camp, robotics camp, coding camp, dance camp, sports camp, art camp, scouting camp and more are being cancelled or postponed. 

However, with Mathnasium of Benton Bryant your child’s math learning can continue without interruption.   

Imagine the boost to your child’s confidence when they do well on that first test of the school year. Rather than having to relearn last year’s math, they can start strong and improve on their knowledge, confidence, and problem-solving skills. 

Learn more about our no-cost assessment and how we can build a personal math learning program for your child.