Math Troubles

Reading the Wall Street Journal on September 25, 2013, I came across an article written by Sue Shellenbarger called, "Pop Quiz: Why Are Fractions Key to Future Math Success?"  She found that students seem to do fine with math until they are in fourth grade and meet fractions.

Some students who were having troubles with math received tutoring and then began to understand fractions. This is a sad statistic "A child's knowledge of fractions in fifth grade predicts performance in high-school math classes..."

Dr. Bob Stiegler, a professor of cognitive psychology at Carnegie Mellon University, is quoted, "If you don't understand fractions, it's literally impossible for you to understand algebra, geometry, physics, statistics, chemistry..."

So if your child is having troubles in math in 4th or 5th grade, tutoring now might save options for math classes in the future.

School Has Started, Now What?

Let your child enjoy a honeymoon period in the classroom.  Do not follow up if he/she does or doesn't complete their homework.  Learn how their teacher responds to their work ethic.  See if he/she observes your child's lack of effort, total lack of understanding of the material or the excellent work ethic.

Write down the comments you would like to ask your child and or his/her teacher.  Now after the second week of school, their teacher should know who they are and how they are doing.  See if you have communication coming home with your student.  See if you make a comment and send it back if the teacher responds.

Now you are ready to make an appointment to meet with their teacher.  Be ready to listen for her observations.  Have your list so you can respond with your observations.  Now you are ready to compliment the teacher's teaching style.  If you feel the need for a tutor to supplement the learning for your child that is your right.  Find someone who is willing to meet your child's teacher and work with them.

Remember learning is a team sport.  A class with 30 different students and one teacher means that each students is obtaining very little one on one time with the teacher.  Sometimes this is just fine and your child will continue to learn and blossom.  Other times intervention is needed.  You may find your teacher is able to meet your child's needs and that is great.  Otherwise find a good tutor and help your child develop or learn to their greatest potential.

Working full time while raising my children meant I did much of this (Teacher communication) online so I liked teachers who responded to my emails.  Email also means the note is not lost in my child's backpack.

I love back to school days, fall is coming, football starts, another year.  May this be the year your child enjoys learning.