Math

Math instruction has changed substantially over the last few decades. Instructional approaches are conceptually based and difficult to understand unless you are familiar with the strategies yourself. The conceptual aspects of more recent curriculums require a solid understanding of math foundations. We help make learning math accessible and engaging. We work to build solid foundations to increase math success and confidence.

_{Some strategies we use to support learning are:}

• _{Utilize hands-on approaches to help students conceptualize math. If they understand math concepts and what they mean, they can apply their knowledge more successfully. Memorizing facts can be helpful, but if a child has a conceptual understanding of something, they can use their expertise in various ways.}
• _{Graphics and visual tools help support the understanding of math concepts. We use visual supports to help teach math concepts. The visuals can be a reference tool for learners to help remember formulas and see visual representations of concepts.}
• _{No matter what age or grade a student is at, we support them with their current skill level. As math skills advance and concepts become more complex, gaps in a child’s learning become evident. If a child misses mastering an idea in the early stages of math, the impact will show itself eventually. We work to help ensure mastery of skills so that students can remain on par with grade level.}  
• _{We work with students to help explain their thinking in math. It is one thing to “know” the formula, but it is more advanced to explain their thinking and the logic in why they completed a problem in that way. It requires an enhanced understanding of concepts and is a component of many standardized assessments.}
• _{We support students to understand and solve mathematical problems that affect language. This starts with simple things like understanding the operation in a single-step word problem and leads to higher-end concepts in more abstract problem-solving. Current math curriculums are language-heavy in today’s math curriculums, and it is essential to teach students how to access and understand the terminology involved in math problems.}