We work with many students who’ve struggled in math, sometimes for years. During a first session, many say they’re fuzzy on a certain concept, that they often forget how to do certain kinds of problems, or that they just hate math.
This usually means that there are gaps, either small or large, in the student’s foundational math skills. While a few holes may not have much impact on grades or performance, they can accumulate over time and become real obstacles, especially in more challenging middle and high school math classes.
If your child struggles with homework, gets poor grades on tests, or says they hate math, taking a math diagnostic is a first step to getting them on the right track. It helps us pinpoint what’s causing difficulty, and enables us to create a customized plan. Even students who’ve told us they hate math have gone on to say after a few months that it’s become their favorite subject!
In school, teachers cover a large amount of material very quickly. If your child doesn’t master the skill the first time through, chances are good it will pester them later. Maybe they were out sick for a few days, or they were tired or distracted during a key class. It may be that they just need more time to practice, or need the material presented differently. Perhaps a learning disability affects their progress. Whatever the case, in most math classes, each unit is a building block for the next, so missing a few of those early lessons can derail students when they get to more challenging problems.
We’ve found that customized, one-on-one instruction makes a huge difference for students struggling in math. During sessions, tutors use several strategies to make sure math instruction is fun, focused, and tailored to each child’s needs:
If you think your child may need additional support in math, give us a call!
Shannon has a degree in marketing from Creighton University. After working in the business world for over five years, she decided to go back to school to get her master’s degree in elementary education from Quincy University. Learn more about her below!
My favorite book is… The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. This is an amazing book that made me want to travel and see more of the world.
My favorite subject in school was… history because I loved learning more about the world and how the past helped shape who we are today.
On a day off you’ll find me… hanging out with family and friends. In the summer, usually doing something fun outside.
What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… it’s team approach to tutoring as well as it’s individualized curriculum! Both the team approach and the curriculum make tutoring and learning more fun and efficient.