By Emma Wallisch, Center Director | Mathnasium of Blaine
Fall is always an exciting time at Mathnasium of Blaine. School routines are in full swing, parent-teacher conferences are coming up, and we're starting to hear from families about how the school year is really going.
Some students are off to a great start. Others are discovering that math is getting a little harder than they expected.
And that's okay. That's why we're here!
One of my favorite things about being the Center Director in Blaine is getting to know our students beyond their math skills. We get to see their personalities, celebrate their progress, and sometimes help them discover that math isn't nearly as scary as they thought.
Meet the People Who Make Our Center Special
I'm lucky to work with a team that genuinely enjoys helping kids.
Our Assistant Center Director, Dennis, is one of those people whose personality lights up a room. He absolutely loves teaching kids, and that enthusiasm is a big part of what makes our center such a welcoming place.
We also have Bryce, our Lead Instructor, who plays an important role in supporting students and helping our instructional team deliver a great learning experience.
Together with the rest of our instructors, we work hard to make Mathnasium a place where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and trying again.
Because sometimes the most important thing we teach a child isn't a math formula. It's that they're capable of figuring something out, even when it's difficult.
A Teenager Who Didn't Want to Be Here
I had one of those moments recently that reminded me exactly why I love this job.
I sat down to work with a high school student who made it pretty clear he did NOT want to be there.
Arms crossed. Short answers. The whole teenage attitude.
Parents of teenagers, I'm sure you know the look!
Rather than pushing him, we just started working through some math together. One problem at a time. A few small wins. A little encouragement.
And by the end of our session?
He was smiling.
His whole attitude had changed.
I love moments like that because they remind me that sometimes a student who says they hate math doesn't actually hate math. They hate feeling confused, frustrated, or like they're falling behind.
When we help students experience success, even in small ways, their confidence starts to change.
And watching that happen never gets old.
Math Bingo Came to Blaine!
On October 27, we hosted Math Bingo at Mathnasium of Blaine!
Events like this are such a fun way to bring our students together.
There's something pretty great about watching kids get excited over math problems, cheer each other on, and realize they're learning while having fun.
We want our students to associate math with positive experiences, not just homework and tests.
And if you've ever met Dennis, you can probably imagine the kind of energy he brings to a room full of excited kids!
Parent-Teacher Conferences in Blaine: What Should You Ask?
With fall parent-teacher conferences approaching, I know many parents are wondering what they should be asking about their child's math progress.
Conferences can go by quickly, and sometimes it's hard to know what questions will give you the most useful information.
Here are three things I recommend.
1. Ask which specific math skills your child is struggling with.
Instead of just asking whether your child is doing well in math, try asking which concepts are giving them trouble.
Are multiplication facts slowing them down? Are fractions becoming frustrating? Do they understand how to solve word problems?
The more specific the answer, the easier it is to figure out how to help.
2. Ask about your child's confidence in math class.
Does your child raise their hand? Are they willing to try challenging problems? Do they shut down when something doesn't make sense?
A student's confidence can tell us just as much as their test scores.
3. Ask what you can do to support them at home.
Sometimes a little extra practice goes a long way. Other times, students need more individualized instruction to strengthen skills they may have missed in earlier grades.
And if your child's conference doesn't go the way you hoped, don't panic.
A difficult math conference doesn't mean your child isn't good at math. It simply gives you a better understanding of where they might need some help.
Two Math Struggles We're Seeing This School Year
At our Blaine Mathnasium center, there are two challenges we see frequently.
Multiplication facts.
When students haven't developed strong multiplication skills, it can make division, fractions, and eventually algebra much more difficult.
Relying too heavily on calculators.
Calculators are useful tools, but students also need number sense and mental math skills.
When a child understands how numbers work together, they're better equipped to solve problems and recognize when an answer doesn't make sense.
That's a big part of what we focus on at Mathnasium.
Our personalized math learning plans help students build foundational skills, strengthen their understanding, and develop confidence.
Whether your child needs elementary math tutoring, middle school math support, high school math help, or additional enrichment, we meet students where they are and help them move forward.
We Love Being Part of the Blaine School Community
One of the things I enjoy most about my role is getting involved with our local schools and families.
On October 21, I visited LILA Lower School for their PTO meeting, and I'm excited for the opportunity to connect with families there.
We're also looking forward to participating in math nights at Eisenhower and Sand Creek in November.
School events like these are a great opportunity to bring math outside our center and show students that learning can be fun.
If you see us at an upcoming event, please stop by and say hello!
Come Meet Our Blaine Mathnasium Family
If your child's parent-teacher conference raises concerns about math, or you've noticed homework becoming a nightly struggle, we'd love to help.
And even if your child is doing great in school, we're always happy to talk about ways to keep them challenged and excited about learning.
Stop by and meet Dennis, Bryce, me, and the rest of our wonderful instructional team.
We'd love to learn more about your child, show you what makes our center special, and talk about how we can support their math journey.
Schedule a free math consultation at Mathnasium of Blaine today!
We can't wait to meet you.
Emma Wallisch
Center Director | Mathnasium of Blaine
Mathnasium of Blaine is a math-only learning center for K-12 students in Blaine, MN. Trusted by over a million parents, Mathnasium uses personalized learning plans and the proprietary Mathnasium Method™ to help students catch up, keep up, and get ahead on their math journey.
Our specially trained tutors deliver face-to-face instruction in a supportive and fun small-group environment, working with students to develop a deep understanding of math, build confidence, and improve academic performance.
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(763) 317-6284
