Math Learning Adds Up!

Math is built on learning concepts in a specific and cumulative order. The building blocks of math begin during our primary years and we learn more complex math over our school career. In primary school the foundation of addition and multiplication become part of the foundation for the building blocks to rest over years to come.

By middle school students learn about formulas and operations. It is critical for this information to stick before any further concepts are taught. A firm understanding of formulas and operations must be learned before a student moves on to enlarge his framework of knowledge.

Follow up:

If a child is allowed to move on before they have a firm grasp and understanding on these basic math foundations then a much bigger math problem rears its ugly head sometime between middle school and high school! Why? Most often students move on to a new grade or new subject before they’re really ready. If a student earns a “C” in middle school then it usually means that the child has adsorbed only about half of what they should and can barely get by. But the child passes the grade and the school moves the child on to the next grade level. Why? Some kids believe a C is good enough because it is considered passing. Parents don’t realize that moving on to the next grade level when only passing with a C creates full huge problem for high school and college level understanding. Sadly, the teacher cannot find the time or possibly the energy to check in with each student to see if they have a full understanding of each concept before moving on to the next.

A shaky foundation in math has become a way of life for many students as they move from one level to the next. With an unstable foundation, students then have serious limitations when it comes to building their math skills when trying to prepare for potential careers that require a solid foundation!