Why is Math Homework So Hard?

While easily half of the kids who attend Mathnasium are here for enrichment, we are definitely known for our ability to support our friends who struggle. Every day we get inquiries from parents eager to make the evenings more manageable at home. They are frustrated, and so are the kids. 

• "It takes my son almost two hours to do his math homework." 
• "Helping my child with their homework results in an arguement and no one is happy."
• "I can no longer help my daughter. Her math has exceeded my expertise."
• "I have no idea how the homework is supposed to be answered. I don't understand why kids have solve these problems a certain way."

Aside from the Common Core expectations that are throwing moms and dads for a loop, there is one very logical explanation as to why the homework is so challenging:  The prerequisite skills are not as rock solid as they need to be. 

As a former elementary teacher and curriculum writer, I have plotted and planned for mathematical success for all the kids in my district.  What lessons make the content make the most sense? What are the stepping stones to escalate these skills from grade level to grade level? You hope that every child is listening and learning and that the pace is appropriate for all to understand. The one factor we couldn't account for was individualization of learning.

But some kids require that extra problem or two (or six or eight) to make it stick.  Some kids need it broken down a little further to see the microsteps many of us take for granted. Some kids benefit from connecting the previous grade level skill to the current grade level skills to bridge information. Some kids need to see a picture or a model to build their personal toolbox of skills so they can retreive a skills when necessary. This is what makes Mathnasium of La Costa so awesome. This is what we do!  This is why parents love us to supplement their child's education.

When students have the prerequisite knowledge (like a data bank) they can grasp the new material. If they are lacking preceeding skills, they slowly begin to slip. Since math builds on itself, the longer the "treading water" tactics go, the more likely it creates an overwhelming situation. Then you start to hear, "I hate math." "My teacher is terrible." 

If you live in the Encinitas, La Costa or Carlsbad areas, visit our center and let's see where your child stands mathematically!  It is the end of the school year, have they mastered everything they should by now? Are they prepared for the fall, when the next level of skills is introduced and built upon the foundation they currently have?

Our assessment is what we call "No Risk." This means come in and see the status at no cost to you. We will share a report depicting areas of strength and areas for growth, along with a detailed learning plan of the concepts we will begin working on upon enrollment. Schedule your student today!