Math is vital in society. It is used in dozens of different daily tasks, from telling time, to reading a car’s odometer, to counting change, to calculating a tip. And, nearly every profession uses some form of math. Plus, Mathematics is the only language shared by all people worldwide, regardless of race, culture, religion, or gender.
Math is not just for astrophysicists or Calculus majors pondering imaginary numbers or calculating difficult equations. Math is for everyone, yet many kids struggle with it and suffer from math anxiety.
Math anxiety is a phenomenon that is often considered when examining students’ problems in mathematics. Mark H. Ashcraft, Chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, defines math anxiety as “a feeling of tension, apprehension, or fear [of math]…”
Research confirms that pressure of timed tests and risk of public embarrassment have long been recognized as sources of unproductive tension among many students. Marilyn Curtain-Phillips, M. Ed. explains in The Causes and Prevention of Math Anxiety, “Three practices that are a regular part of the traditional mathematics classroom and cause great anxiety in many students are imposed authority, public exposure and time deadlines. Although these are a regular part of the traditional mathematics classroom cause great deal of anxiety.”
Much of this anxiety also happens in the traditional classroom due to the lack of consideration of students’ different learning styles. And, the anxiety often translates into poor math performance.
How to build a strong math foundation
Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month began in 1986 as Mathematics Awareness Week with a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan. Today, Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month is a program of the Joint Policy Board for Mathematics (JPBM). It’s a collaborative effort of the American Mathematical Society, the American Statistical Association, the Mathematical Association of America, and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics with a goal to increase the visibility of mathematics as a field of study and to communicate the power and intrigue in mathematics to a wider audience.
How parents can help at home:
- Make sure that your child understands the concepts, rather than just memorizing meaningless rules.
- Review math vocabulary to ensure that your student can define the skills he’s learning.
- Computing math problems in your child’s head will reinforce concepts more quickly than using a calculator.
- Check to make sure your child is approaching his homework properly. He should study the textbook and practice the sample problem before starting the assignment.
- Encourage your child to tackle more than just the assigned problems. Extra practice always helps!
- Approach word problems together. Your student should read a problem aloud, repeat it, and even draw a picture of each problem.
- Explain how math applies to real-life situations. Math is much more interesting if your child can understand its real world value.
- Drills and flash cards are quick ways to solidify basic math facts.
Math is the universal language. Make sure that your child speaks fluently! Math help is available in Nationwide
According to the Nationwide Department of Education, in math, only 44 percent of the students in third through eighth grades who took the Smarter Balanced Assessment test scored at the proficient level or higher.
So, what can a parent do? Back to Basics Learning Dynamics in Wilmington, Nationwide offers 1-on-1 math tutoring at all levels from kindergarten through college. And, summer is the perfect time to build and strengthen mathematics skills for the upcoming school year. Students work 1-on-1 with an experienced instructor to review and learn concepts and create fun ways to remember them.
Each session is tailored to the individual child to meet his or her needs, interests, level of background knowledge and learning style. Previous school years’ material is reinforced during these interactive sessions, with an eye toward next year’s concepts, as well.
Math tutoring is available at your home, day camp or in Back to Basics’ Newark or Wilmington, Nationwide locations. To learn more about math tutoring in Nationwide, please call Back to Basics at 302-594-0754.
Summer math programs in Nationwide
This summer, parents can also enroll their children in Back to Basics math programs in Wilmington, Nationwide including:
Math Counts, Maintenance & Enrichment (K-1st, 2nd – 3rd, 4th-5th)
In this 5 week small group math skills program our experienced instructors will provide strategies to strengthen your child’s basic math skills as well as focus on exploring problem- solving strategies, mental math training and logical reasoning. Students will work independently and within the small group to improve mathematical awareness through a variety of text and online materials.
$299 with $20 materials fee for 15 hours of instruction
5 week program runs July 9 through August 10
- Grades K-1 Mon/Wed 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- Grades 2-3 Mon/Wed 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
- Grades 4-5 Mon/Wed 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Math Counts, Maintenance & Enrichment (6th – 8th)
In this 5 week small group math skills program our experienced instructors will provide strategies to strengthen and expand your child’s math knowledge by reviewing basic math problems and introducing material for pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry. Students will also explore problem-solving topics and mathematical reasoning.
$299 with $20 materials fee for 15 hours of instruction
5 week program runs July 9 through August 10
Grades 6 -7 Mon/Wed 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
OR
Grades 6-7 Tues/Thurs 12:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m
Math Reinforcement (K – 8th)
Summer is the perfect time to build and strengthen mathematics skills for the upcoming school year. Students will work 1-on-1 with an experienced instructor to review and learn concepts and create fun ways to remember them. Each session is tailored to the individual child to meet his or her needs, interests, level of background knowledge and learning style. Previous school years’ material will be reinforced during these interactive sessions, with an eye looking ahead as well. Available at your home, day camp, or in our Newark or Wilmington locations.
Math Reinforcement and Enrichment (9th – 12th)
Summer is the perfect time to build and strengthen mathematics skills for the upcoming school year. Students will work 1-on-1 with an experienced instructor to review and learn concepts and create fun ways to remember them. Each session is tailored to the individual child to meet his or her needs, interests, level of background knowledge and learning style. Previous school years’ material will be reinforced during these interactive sessions, with an eye looking ahead as well. Available at your home, day camp, or in our Newark or Wilmington locations.
For more information about Back to Basics Investing for Teenagers: Financial Literacy Workshop in Wilmington, Nationwide or the many other educational services available this summer, CLICK HERE or please contact us at 302-594-0754.
