The Benefits of Supplemental Math Instruction for Middle School Students

Sep 30, 2020 | Parker

The transition to middle school is when many students begin to show signs of struggle in math subjects. Algebra, Geometry and more abstract math concepts are typically introduced during middle school; if your child didn’t have a firm math foundation before, they may begin to experience difficulties.  Your child may have been able to get by, but as the pace picks up, the strategies or study habits they relied on may no longer be serving them. If you notice changing attitudes and behaviors around math, now is the time to consider seeking math help. Here are six reasons why you should consider investing in supplemental math help for your middle school student.

1) Be Proactive Instead of Reactive

Getting supplemental math help in middle school allows you to get a jumpstart on any math deficiencies before they start. Once your child's grades and math confidence begin to slide, it may be difficult to reverse and your child may have to work twice as hard to catch up. A math learning center can help your child get back on track before they fall behind any further and keep their self-confidence intact. 

2) Focus on Your Child's Needs

Teachers must cover certain topics over the course of a school year to meet state requirements and to prepare students for testing. As a result, they may not be as able to spend as much time with your child as needed. Now with virtual learning, the teacher to student interaction may be even more limited.

This is where supplemental math help can be an asset for your child. The instructors can teach to your child and not just to curriculum. They can spend as much or as little time on a topic as needed, allowing your child to go at his or her own pace.  The math instructor will monitor your child’s progress every step of the way to make sure your child has a true understanding of the concepts presented.

3) Teaches Self-Advocacy

Your child may be introverted and uncomfortable asking questions during classroom instruction for fear of being singled out. While building their confidence, a math instructor will allow your child to ask questions freely in a one-on-one setting. Asking questions will be encouraged! Your child will learn the value of asking questions and detach it from the untrue assumption that they ask questions because they are unintelligent. Through dedicated supplemental math instruction, your child will also learn to recognize the signs that they need help and when to ask, creating a positive habit they can consistently turn to in the future. 

4) Improved Learning Habits

In addition to assisting with teaching math, their math instructor will have the unique perspective of observing your child's learning style. They can help your child strengthen their study habits and provide techniques to improve their comprehension and understanding. They will also be able to help your child with any time management concerns, noticing if your child has issues completing assigned work on time or other organizational issues. They can help your child improve these issues for math first, but the benefit will assist them in all classes. 

5) Stay Ahead During Breaks

Supplemental math help can help your child stay ahead during extended breaks from school, such as during Summer Break or Holiday Break. It doesn’t take long for your child to forget the new material if they have extended periods from studying, causing them to have to relearn material once they return to school. Having a math instructor will provide consistency during breaks to ensure your child doesn’t fall behind, making for a smoother transition when school resumes.

6) Better Test Scores

Lastly, seeking supplemental math help results in better test scores.  Working with a math learning center, your child will improve their test-taking skills. Supplemental math help will provide them with the understanding of the test material first, as well as techniques based on their learning styles to perform well. Since your child will have a better grasp of the subject matter on the test, test anxiety will decrease, and their performance level will improve.  

Now that you have six reasons to invest in supplemental math help for your middle school student, our qualified instructors are ready to help you and your child begin your supplemental math help journey. Reach out to us for a consultation by phone or email. We offer in-person and online training, recently rolling out our Mathnasium@Home program to assist you and your child with the transition to virtual learning. We look forward to working with you and your child and forging a path to math success!

Mathnasium of Parker

(303) 840-1184