MATH

"Some People Aren't Cut Out to do Math” 

This is an actual quote from a loved one’s math teacher, a hurtful and untrue statement that has never been forgotten.Children's lack of success in math has a great deal to do with the attitude of those around them. Just like learning to draw or master a sport, math takes consistent encouragement and effort. Many have said - or been told - that they are not gifted at math. A large portion of the population believes math requires a certain aptitude. This is a common misconception that few work to dispel. Admittedly, there is a small percentage of the highest performing individuals that have genetics on their side, but even these are not successful without effort and persistence. 

An athlete does not walk onto the field a champion; he must put forth consistent effort, study, push and motivate himself.

Most families do not take this same approach with math. In the traditional school setting, teachers are doing their best with large classrooms of students; individualized attention is not always the norm. As first- and second- grade students start to slip behind the achievements of their peers, they begin to believe the lie. Their self talk deteriorates exponentially when they are teased by their peers, recieve an offhand negative comment from a teacher, or hear their parent who says,"I was never good at math either.” As a math teacher, I often hear this statement from parents of struggling students. 

Math is a learned skill. It is a result of good instruction and good study habits. An artist does not put a pencil in his hand for the first time and create a da Vinci. Time, effort, repeated practice, and study make an artist. Students do not understand that most of all people who succeed in math are those who have put in the time. There is a small percentage that may have genetics on their side but even these have to work and apply their gifts in order to succeed.

What you can do to encourage your math student today: 

1. Good instruction. Khan Academy is a website that puts good instruction videos within reach of anyone with internet access. Parents can get help for their children 24 hours a day, from simple addition and math sense all the way through calculus. Sal Khan is truly a gifted teacher. https://www.khanacademy.org/

2. Create a quiet place. This can be very challenging with everyone home at once. Try using headphones with music to cancel distractions. I always allowed my son to choose his music, with the condition that he did his work and it was correct. If his work was incorrect and sloppy, I picked the tune; he always got to keep his music.

3. Set a timer. How long can your student sit and attend to his studies before needing a break? Three, twenty minute sessions are the exact same as one long hour. In fact, your student’s focus may be better with shorter sessions.

4. Check your student’s work. If you want your student to learn something it must be practiced correctly. Checking your student’s work regularly takes the most discipline on the parents’ part. Get the answer key and check their work. Do not leave them alone with their lessons until you are sure they can do the work correctly, without frustration.

Learning math can be a very rewarding experience. 

Think of this as a time when the whole family can get a little better in math. Do math daily and check the work. You can do this even if you bought the lie that you were never good in math. You may even surprise yourself with your abilities!