Many kids fear fractions because they don’t understand them. They mix up the parts and don’t know what they mean or how to “read” them.
Parents can usually explain fractions using everyday situations (for example if something is ½ off, or a recipe calls for ¼ cup sugar), but really explaining and practicing fraction problems is something a math tutor or teacher can help with!
Fractions are traditionally taught in elementary and middle school, so building a good foundational understanding during these years will help with high school math classes.
Fractions are an essential part of math curriculum, but some students still struggle with them for a few reasons including:
They are not developmentally ready to understand the concept
There are misconceptions about fractions that they are too challenging or hard, so kids sometimes fear them before even learning them
Just like any new concept…they just need extra practice!
Here are three ways a Mathnasium tutor can help your child understand and practice fractions this summer…
Using visuals. So much of understanding fractions is being able to visualize the part vs. whole. Manipulatives and fraction kits can help, and our tutors have all the tools to help your child “see” the fractions and work with them hands on.
Building upon what your child knows. Before a tutor works with a student at our learning center, they always administer a written and verbal evaluation to help understand what a child already knows. Using our Mathnasium Method of evaluating and tutoring, we can often identify gaps in learning before we begin tutoring sessions. This helps us go back to help clarify things a child may be struggling with and map out a personalized tutoring plan. This is helpful especially during the summer months when we often help students review and catch up on material before school starts again.
Practice! Practice! Practice! Once a student understands the parts of a fraction and what they mean, we teach about equivalent fractions, multiplying and dividing fractions, reducing fractions and more. Our math tutors will help with practice problems to increase long term retention. The goal is always to help a child not only memorize, but to truly understand how to solve problems. So, the more practice a student can get, the better.
Our goal for teaching fractions is to help the student master them. With this approach our math tutors help conquer fear and build confidence!
Learn more about our middle school math camps and sessions this summer.
Related articles: Math tutor FAQs
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