Many parents struggle with knowing how to help their children who are having a hard time with math. If the parents are not math aficionados, helping their children with high-level math can cause stress in the relationship and end up doing more harm than good. Parents who love math may have a hard time relating to a child who doesn’t understand or enjoy math.
All parents want to do what is best for their child, and sometimes that means brining in a third party who has experience teaching in a variety of ways that can produce the “A-ha” moment children have been searching for.
Signs Your Child Needs a Tutor
Slipping Grades- the first sign that something isn’t clicking in the classroom is that your child’s grades begin to drop. Sometimes this could be because of a student’s lack of time management skills, ability to prioritize study time and homework, or lack of focus in the classroom. These can be managed through a plan discussed with the teacher, and an effort to direct the child back on track. If your child is focused and trying, but still not able to bring up their grades, it may be time foe a tutor.
Constant Confusion- if you constantly hear your child say things like “I just don’t get it!” or “it doesn’t make sense!” they may need someone to expose them to the content in a different way. The beauty about hiring a tutor is they can teach things in a dozen different ways until the student understands, whereas a teacher may not have the time to explain the same content in a variety of ways.
Lack of Confidence- students who don’t feel supported or encouraged in the classroom may avoid asking questions or asking for help. If they are getting messages from teachers, peers, siblings or friends that they aren’t good at math, aren’t capable of improving, or that is just not “their thing,” may begin to pull away in math class instead of engaging. If you notice your child is lacking confidence when completing math problems or coming up with an answer, they may find the confidence they need in working with a tutor.
Learning Disabilities- even the most determined student can have difficulty keeping up with their peers in math class if they have a learning disability. If you think, or know, that your child learns differently than most, hiring a tutor who has experience in working with students with learning disabilities could be a huge step in getting them the help that they need.
Quick Tips For Parents Thinking About Getting a Tutor
- Discuss your concerns with your child’s teacher. A second, professional opinion could help make your decision easier
- Do it sooner rather than later. Don’t put off hiring a tutor until your child is completely lost. Getting them the help they need when they first show signs of struggle will help solidify their math foundation, which could permanently reset their entire attitude towards math for the better.
- If you do hire a tutor, make sure your goals and expectations are set in the beginning. If you want them to establish a relationship with your child’s teacher, make that communication easy by providing both parties with contact information.
- Teachers and tutors can be a great asset to helping your child excel in math, but parents play a vital role as well. Talk with both the teacher and the tutor about what your child is learning, and ask what you can to do continue the learning at home.
Hiring a tutor is a great way to get your child the help he/she needs. You should feel excited and proud about being able to offer your child this one-on-one one help that will potentially change the way they view math for the rest of their lives.
