For some children, learning math in a school context can be challenging. Concepts might be explained in ways that do not align with a child’s learning style, or a student may need more individualized attention than is available in a school context. This shouldn’t mean that achieving good results is out of reach for your child – but it could mean that they would benefit tremendously from math tutoring. Below are some signs that your child might need mathematics tutoring.
Learning disability:
Some learning disabilities and learning challenges can be easily identified and detected early on in a child’s schooling career. Others might not be so simple to detect. An example is dyscalculia, a learning disorder that affects a person’s numbers processing and math-related concepts and skills. While it is usually picked up in early school years, it can be mistaken for the child not being ‘good’ at math – some adults may have dyscalculia without knowing it. Diagnosis is made slightly more complicated because there are no lab, diagnostic, or imaging tests that can confirm it. Special attention would need to be given to observing a child’s performance in math or number-related tasks. Other conditions, such as vision or hearing problems or other learning difficulties, would have to be eliminated. In children, one-on-one interventions can significantly improve performance and anxiety surrounding math.
Frequent complaints about math class or teacher:
If your child continuously complains about their math class or math teacher, it may be a sign that they are feeling some anxiety or frustration around the subject. This is especially so if they seem to be complaining a disproportionate amount about math (when compared to other subjects). If this is happening, it might be a good idea to have an honest conversation with your child to check in on why they feel so frustrated. It may be worth talking to their math teacher, too. You might find that your child is struggling with math concepts and may be falling behind in class, which is causing anxiety and anger. One-on-one math tutoring might be an ideal solution to get your child back on track in the classroom.
Homework tasks taking very long, or homework avoidance:
If you have noticed that it is taking your child longer than usual to complete their math homework, they might be struggling and need additional support. Similarly, if your child avoids doing their math homework, it may be because they feel a sense of anxiety or shame around the work. In either of these cases, it is worth conversing with your child and asking whether they are struggling with something or feel like they need help. Mathematics tutoring, even temporarily, could be what your child needs to help them get back on track.
Major life events or changes:
If your family or your child has experienced any major changes recently, their learning may have been affected or disrupted. Moving house or school can often have this effect by disrupting a child’s learning environment. Missing gaps in knowledge or adapting to a new teacher or school can take a long time for children. A math tutor can help your child manage their schoolwork during periods of adjustment.
Teacher recommendation:
Your child’s teacher might approach you and recommend that your child attend math tutoring sessions. The teacher will have the best insight into your child’s academic performance and consistency and may be able to recommend a mathematics tutoring company that they believe will work best for your child. Such a recommendation may surprise you or your child – but it is important to remember the teacher’s experience, expertise, and direct observational knowledge of your child’s performance in the classroom.
Desire for advanced learning:
Perhaps your child is not struggling with math but feels the opposite. If your child has taken a special interest in and shown an affinity for math, they may not get all they need from their math classes. Perhaps there are major math competitions or tests that your child would like to participate in, and needs further challenge and stimulation to reach their goals. One-on-one math tutoring can be a great way to stimulate your child and maintain their interest in the subject. If they intend to take math courses in college, extra tutoring during school years will set them up for academic success.