Why join a Summer Math Program?

It’s the first summer that we feel totally free after two years of a pandemic. So you will let your child have a total break for the two whole months, right? While it’s completely understood, think about what will happen when fall comes. Do you think your child is ready for the next grade? Are they even performing how they should be in their current class?

To learn and retain math is to do math. From our experience, it is common that even by missing only one or two sessions, or coming back from spring or Christmas break, students show regression in their learning. Can you imagine two solid months of summer break?  

This study suggests that:

• On average, students’ achievement scores declined over summer vacation by one month’s worth of school-year learning,
• Declines were sharper for math than for reading,
• The extent of loss was larger at higher grade levels.

For your child's summer math program, pick a program that makes math learning fun! And not a program that gives them tons of worksheets of homework - which may kill their interest in math and creativity altogether.

So – are you wondering if your child needs to attend a summer program to maintain a consistent schedule of learning? Here are some signs that they may need to join one.

1. They are behind in math. Math is built on itself, brick by brick. The next layer is more complex than the one below. Each new concept requires a solid understanding of the previous one. If your child misses one brick, the impact can be detrimental as it will create another hollow brick – or bricks – at the next level.  Without intervention, the higher the level, the more gaps there will be. Summer program allows your child to get extra support to build the basics.
2. They are doing “not bad” at math but there are indications of gaps. Take a closer look at your child’s math abilities. Teachers say their performance is ok, they may even get between 80-90% in class – but check their exams, quizzes, and homework to see why they make mistakes; is it because they did some careless mistakes or because they don’t understand the concepts? For us tutors, it is not uncommon to find students who do not understand the basic concepts even though they are “not bad” at math in school. These students will face difficulties when they learn more complex math since their foundation is shaky.
3. So, summer programs are just for kids who are struggling then? Not really. We always have “get-ahead” students in our summer program. Kids who are interested and excel in math love enrichment programs. They like to expand their knowledge and like being challenged with new math topics. Especially in summer programs, typically there is something fun and different, such as robotics or coding. 

So, bottom line is, summer math programs are for all type of students – they’re for those who want to catch up, keep up or get ahead. Learning should be year-round, and regardless whether your child is behind in school or not, it is important for them to keep practicing. If you as parents – due to your busy schedule – are not able to spend time during summer to maintain consistent learning, it would be best if you enroll your child to a summer program. But what type of summer program will work best for your child?

1. Those who offer individualized approach. A classroom approach generalizes content and moves all students at the same pace, whether students are behind or able to run ahead. A custom and personalized approach checks where your child is in their math learning – regardless what grade they are in – and moves forward at the pace that is right for them. This approach needs a comprehensive assessment to identify where your child is to build a specific learning plan.
2. If you are looking for a math program, find an expert and specialist in math. They only teach math, they are the “authority” of math; and for the best ones, they have their own method that has been proven to help thousands if not millions of kids for tens of years.
3. Reputation is important. They are the expert in math, but are they good at teaching and engaging with kids? You don’t want to send your kids to just any tutor you find on google – at the minimum, you should check the independent reviews, feedback from parents, and check the background of the tutors.

Lastly, the cost should not break the bank. Be suspicious if it’s too cheap – maybe it’s just  watching videos online or a chat session with a tutor, or the teachers are not really teaching but just grading students’ works, or it is only half an hour per week. But also be mindful if it’s expensive – that doesn’t necessarily mean the best quality either. Some set high prices utilizing the “marketing placebo effect”: they know many people mistakenly perceive expensive items as superior, so "assessment fees that cost $50 or $100 must be better than a free assessment" or "a program with a registration fee of $200 must be an excellent program". Well think again – focus on the quality of learning your child will receive, and don’t make the cost as the major factor in your decision.  

Visit Mathnasium of Red Deer’s summer program – we make math make sense and fun! After all it’s summer .. learning should even be more fun! Yesterday, when a new student was told that there was another student from her school who has been with us forever, she replied, “I don’t blame him, this is a very cool place to learn math!” 😊

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Mathnasium of Red Deer is your neighbourhood’s math-only learning centre, and we are here to help your child. Our centre director, Riwan, and the whole team, would be happy to meet you! We are conveniently located in the shopping destination area in Red Deer: 5250 22^nd St, Unit 30 B – at the Gaetz Avenue Crossing shopping centre, in the same area as Chapters Indigo/Starbucks, Michael Arts, Petland and Ashley, and the phone number is 403-872 MATH (6284). 

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