Educational Summer? Yes, please!
As an educator the
end of the school year can be a thrilling and sad moment. As I look at the students I have had the
honor to spend the school year with I am saddened by how much knowledge they
will lose over the summer break. They
have made so much progress this year! As a teacher I know the beginning of the
year is going to be rough. The beginning
of the year will be filled with reteaching about 2.5 months’ worth of
mathematics curriculum. While I am
working with students at Mathnasium I am encouraging them to continue in the
summer. Even if they are excelling in
mathematics there is still mathematical concepts that will be lost over the
summer months.
Learning
is a yearlong process. In the summer
many students gain more life and real world knowledge then conceptual
knowledge. These experiences are great! How can students be able to gain both; life
and conceptual knowledge over the summer and why are mathematical concepts
being lost when math is everywhere?
For
years math has been seen as something that is applied in the classroom only and
not given much conversation outside of the classroom. This is something that is slowly
changing. As adults, I feel we need to
vocalize to those around us the math that we see or use. Just about daily there is some type of
cooking or baking going on within the household. Let your children help you. Just being able to pour out ¼ cup or use the
measuring tools will help students understand the units. On a weekly basis there is some type of money
transactions that happens; involve your children. “At the grocery store we need these
items. Let’s estimate the cost on the
grocery list as we put the items in the basket.” This small activity covers three different
mathematical concepts. If you are going on vacation sit with them and discuss
the budget and have them help calculate how long the trip will take. Having
math concept conversations and assisting in helping students learn their math
facts can help show your student that math is important to you and that you see
how math is part of your everyday life.
Being a
teacher and a math tutor is not all I do.
I am also a mother. In being a
mother I know that I am the last person my son wants re-teaching him math
concepts. He knows I know the material
and can help him but when it comes from me it is more authoritative then informative. Also with the teacher hat that I wear I know
giving him a worksheet to work on independently will not help reinforce the
math concepts. In order for students to
stop the mathematical summer computational slide they need individualized
instruction, direct teaching, and reinforcements of past and current
concepts.
One of
the reasons why I choose to work at Mathnasium is because of the student growth
that happens within their individualized programs. Mathnasium has great individual programs that
are tailored to keep students on track and close mathematical gaps. Mathansium also works to create a partnership
with the family community so everyone can work together for the benefit of the
student. Each Mathnasium has their own
scheduling and will work with your scheduling needs. One thing I have observed
is that everyone involves with your students learning cares and will work with
you and your student to make sure your student is successful. This sense of unity also helps bring up
students’ confidence and self-esteem.
I know
the summer is meant for fun in the sun.
Can you spare 2 to 3 hours a week of mathematical learning and
conversation? These 2 to 3 hours can
have a major impact on math skills. All the mathematical learning does not need
to take place in an educational setting.
Playing a game and reading a book with your child can help build their
mathematical knowledge and give them real world experiences. 2 hours a week at Mathnasium and family game
night can help create great memories and build a great mathematical
foundation.
© Renee Reising and Mathnasium of West Bloomfield,
Mathnasium of Dexter, Mathnasium of Plymouth
Canton, June 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without
express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly
prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit
is given to Renee Reising and Mathnasium of _________ with appropriate and
specific direction to the original content.
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