DYNAMIC DUO! HOW TWO BROTHERS SHINE WITH SKILLS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Double the brilliance! For the first time ever, we’ve awarded two *Students of the Month* in the same month—these incredible brothers! Their dedication and hard work have truly set them apart, progressing from a catch-up level just a few months ago to now working ahead of their school grade!

Their mom shared, 'They like it here because at Mathnasium, they learn things that they don’t learn at school.' This is exactly what Mathnasium is all about: preparing students for the real world with life skills that go beyond the classroom!

For instance, we introduce the concept of halving (two parts the same) as early as Grade 1, which isn’t typically taught in schools. Mastering this concept from a young age helps build number sense and strengthens logical reasoning. This foundation makes it easier for students to tackle more advanced concepts like fractions, algebra, and geometry in the future. WHOLES AND PARTS: THE BIRTH OF FRACTIONS explains in detail.

So, why aren't important math concepts covered at school?

1. Curriculum Limitations: School curriculums are often designed to meet minimum requirements for standardized testing, meaning some advanced or non-traditional topics are left out. At Mathnasium, we tailor lessons to meet each student's needs and interests, introducing concepts that may not be part of the school syllabus.
2. Focus on Practical Application: Many schools prioritize math topics with immediate real-life applications or that are useful for exams. Abstract or exploratory math topics, which build deeper understanding and future skills, may not receive as much attention.
3. Teacher Flexibility: School teachers may have limited flexibility to go beyond the set curriculum, especially when required to follow strict lesson plans. In contrast, Mathnasium provides an environment where students can explore a wider range of topics and go deeper into areas of interest.
4. Differentiated Learning: Schools often teach to the average student level, meaning some topics may be too basic or too advanced for certain students. Mathnasium offers individualized learning paths, allowing students to explore concepts beyond their grade level or curriculum.
5. Conceptual Teaching Takes Time: Explaining the 'why' behind math problems requires more time and effort, which may not fit into a standard school lesson. At Mathnasium, we create an environment where students can take the time to explore and thoroughly understand concepts.
6. Curriculum Pressure: Teachers have limited time to cover a wide range of topics. To ensure students can answer all types of questions, they often emphasize efficient methods—like procedural steps or calculator use—over the conceptual understanding behind the solutions.

Many middle and high schoolers often complain that topics are taught so quickly that, by the following week, a new topic is introduced before they’ve fully grasped the previous one. This creates a snowball effect, and by the end of the year, they may only understand half or 70% of the material. But 70% is good, right? Hmm .. think of it this way: that 30% gap could get even bigger next year, leading to more challenges down the road.

Well, for these brothers, we couldn’t be more proud of their achievements and can’t wait to see what’s next for them! Pictured here with their well-earned certificates, personalized Mathnasium tumblers, and their dedicated instructor—keep shining, you two!