Math can be challenging for people of all ages, in part because it deals with abstract concepts that are not always immediately applicable to the real world. But it’s particularly frustrating for kids who want to succeed and keep in step with their peers in the classroom. You can help your student succeed in math class with these four tips.

A Parent’s Guide to Helping Kids Succeed in Math Class

1. Understanding vs. Memorization

Many students make the mistake of thinking math success relies on memorizing procedures. Instead, it’s more helpful to understand how the methods work and why specific steps are required. This is particularly important because kids will need to understand the fundamental “why” of math, rather than just the “how” before they can proceed to more advanced levels.

2. Embrace Mistakes

Mistakes can be frustrating, but they’re part of the learning process. Encourage your student not to be hard on themselves when they make mistakes. Instead, they should view their mistakes as a learning opportunity. Help them figure out where they went wrong and how to correct the error.

3. Find a Study Partner

Having a support system is essential for success in and outside the classroom. Encourage your student to find a study partner to work with on homework assignments and test preparation. There will be times your student will understand topics more efficiently than their partner and vice versa. Collaborating will be beneficial for learning math and preparing for real-world interactions. A partner is also a valuable resource if your student has to miss school, as they can relay important information such as homework assignments and test dates.

4. Build a Strong Foundation

Math gets progressively more complex with each topic. For instance, a student must understand basic addition and subtraction before they can master multiplication or division. Algebra is crucial to understanding more advanced subjects like calculus. Unfortunately, in the classroom, sometimes teachers must move quickly through certain sections to stay on course. Encourage your child to ask questions whenever they don’t understand something and help them seek outside help from a math instructor if they’re having difficulty keeping up. 

If your student is struggling in math class, turn to the math instructors at Mathnasium of South Windsor in Connecticut. With more than 500 centers throughout the United States and Canada, Mathnasium is one of the most respected names in math tutoring. From homework help to SAT prep, their team members work one-on-one with students of all ages to improve math understanding and skills. Call (860) 432-7794 to schedule an appointment or visit the website to learn more about their method.