A recent study conducted by researchers at McGill University and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute in Montreal found that children who had higher quality sleep performed better in math and languages. While the study of sleep affecting grades is not a new concept, this was the first study to look at how sleep, or the lack thereof, adversely affected specific subjects.
The study found that 14% of the variabilities in children’s math scores were due to lack of sleep, a result deemed to be a “significant” performance variable. The researchers explained that math and language skills are directly affected by lack of sleep due to the makeup of the brain: “For math and languages, we need to use the skills that are called ‘executive functions’—things like working memory, planning, not being distracted. The hardware that supports those skills is in the pre-frontal cortex of the brain, which is very sensitive to the effects of poor sleep or insufficient sleep.”
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that children ages 5 to 12 receive 10-11 hours of sleep per night, and that teenagers need about 9 hours - although only 15% of them actually get that much. And when you combine a lack of sleep with the fact that even many well-rested students find math especially challenging, the resulting negative impact upon the math test scores of American students is significant. That’s where the Mathnasium Method comes in.
At Mathnasium of Gilbert, we can’t do anything about your child’s sleep schedule; but we can give them a solid educational foundation in Math so that they have a stronger foundation in Math - and more encouragement to get their ZZZs. We offer Math instruction for Elementary and Middle school Math, PreAlgebra and Algebra, Geometry, PreCalculus as well as Calculus - all geared to work in conjunction with your child’s existing curriculum. Our program is individualized, providing your child exactly what he or she needs to bridge the gap between hearing the teacher and actually comprehending what is being taught. For those students who believe that Math learning and comprehension is out of reach, we are here to turn their goals into realities. Contact Mathnasium of Gilbert today at (480) 782 – 7987 to see what the Mathnasium Method can do for your child. And don’t forget to get a good night’s rest!