You’ve likely just had a parent-teacher conference or you are about to. How is your child doing in math class? Do you have a nagging feeling that maybe they aren't understanding it as well as they could? Parents often tell us that their child is getting decent grades, yet they seem to be missing some key concepts.
Math builds from one concept to the next, so falling behind becomes worse as each year wears on.
When kids get stuck on a math idea, they aren't likely to speak up. They'll often just sit there, fall behind, and then become frustrated with their homework and classwork. Eventually, they can simply give up. Clearly, it's important that parents address this problem early on so they can take the necessary steps to get their children back on track. The first step is recognizing that a problem exists.
So if your child is having a hard time keeping up in math, it's important to act now. Fortunately, there are many tell-tale signs that a child is falling behind — parents simply need to know what to look for. Here are six signs that may tell you if your child is struggling with math:
- Your child has good grades in other subjects, but math grades are lagging.
- Your child makes comments like, "I'm no good at math" or seems to have low self-esteem about math.
- He or she is missing key milestones. Addition/subtraction should be mastered by end of 2nd or beginning of 3rd grade, multiplication and division by the end of 3rd or beginning of 4th grade, fluency with fractions at the end of 5th or beginning of 6th grade.
- Physical signs like counting on fingers suggest poor retention of number facts.
- Comments from your child’s teacher about "not working up to full potential."
- Your child seems “bored” with math.
When a child shows any of these signs, there are several things parents can do. Seeking help from the student's teacher is an obvious first choice. Offering to help the child more closely with homework is another. And, of course, enrolling in an after-school math program like Mathnasium of Parker is another option that brings professional help to the situation.
Mathnasium of Parker offers no-risk assessments so you can find out exactly where your child is in regards to his or her math skills. We identify children's strengths, as well as areas that can use some shoring up. We create customized learning plans to meet children where they are in their skill sets and take them to where they need to go.
Without a solid foundation, math class can become a source of frustration, tears, and eventual deterioration of self confidence and self esteem. Call us today at (303) 840-1184 to find out exactly where your child's math skills are.
Mathnasium® of Parker
11211 S. Dransfeldt Rd., Suite 149, Parker
Phone: (303) 840-1184
Email:parker@mathnasium.com
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