Math: The Cautionary Tale

The Cautionary Tale:  We have found that kids who get "stuck" in math often don't speak up until it is a much bigger problem than you think. Often their intention is to ride out a unit hoping the next one will be easier or more understandable. Then they think maybe the next one will go better. In the meantime, several units have passed, precious time is lost, confusion builds up, frustration escalates, and homework and test scores wreck a report card. Not to mention the long term problem:  Future math is out there and the prerequisite skills aren't in place, so the cycle will continue until addressed.

We aren't exaggerating at Mathnasium when we state "We change lives" because when students understand math (not just "how" but "why") they are more successful. Connections are made. Success in math opens doors to careers you and I cannot even imagine. The future involves math!

As we approach "Progress Report Time," take a special look at how math is going so far:

• Is my child bored because they already know the concepts covered in class?
• Is my typically straight A child taking a dip since the advanced math content is that much harder this year plus coming at a faster pace (two years smooshed into one!)?
• Is my slightly behind child treading water and increasingly frustrated by the time and effort it takes to get through one night's homework?
• Am I able to help my child so they are most successful, or should someone else step in who understands Common Core/High School math/today's problem solving expectations?
• Did one grade throw my child off course or is it a trend now?
• Did my child have those prerequisite skills necessary for this material to be completely understood?

None of these thoughts are intended to scare you, but an honest reality check in October is exponentially better than panic in March, thus the Cautionary Tale.  As a former teacher, administrator, and parent of two children, I know where I am coming from. It isn't always pretty and recovery of a month or two is better than trying to fix a year worth lessons in the final weeks of school.

First reach out to your student's teacher for specific details of struggles/grades/submission of homework/completeness of homework, then think of us here at Mathnasium of La Jolla. Our excellent instructors are familiar with the district content and math from grades 1-12. We are only a call or click away:  858-335-5686 or [email protected].