Back-to-school success: Mathnasium of South Elgin shares 5 expert tips for parents

As families gear up for the upcoming school year, Mathnasium of South Elgin is offering valuable guidance for parents and students alike.

While each student has their own special challenges, mathematics frequently ranks among the most demanding subjects for students to master, often resulting in falling behind.

In fact, according to the American Education Journal, 52% of students lose an average of 39% of their total school year gains during the summer months, and in just math alone, students forget about 25% of the skills they learned from the previous school year. Starting the school year off with confidence and preparation can make a huge difference in your child’s grades, and overall happiness.

Back-to-school tips

Acknowledging these academic hurdles, we emphasize the need for proactive preparation to bridge any learning gaps and ensure academic success. To assist families during this pivotal back-to-school period, Mathnasium’s dedicated team has curated practical and actionable tips:

Establish a routine: Establishing a consistent daily routine helps your child manage their time effectively and prioritize tasks. Consistency in scheduling study sessions, homework time, and breaks helps instill discipline and ensures that academic responsibilities are met promptly. A well-structured routine also reduces procrastination and minimizes stress associated with deadlines.

Prepare for homework anxiety: Homework can be a source of stress for both children and parents. To help your child navigate homework challenges, establish a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help. Encourage them to break down assignments into manageable tasks, prioritize tasks based on deadlines, and take short breaks between assignments to stay focused. Offering praise and encouragement for their efforts, rather than focusing solely on correct answers, helps build their confidence and resilience.

Communicate with teachers: Regular communication with your child’s teachers is crucial for staying informed about their academic progress and identifying any areas where they may need additional support.

Encourage math practice: Consistent math practice is essential for reinforcing concepts learned in school and building confidence in mathematical skills. Encourage your child to engage in daily math practice through various activities such as math games, online resources recommended by their school, or work sheets tailored to their grade level. By making math practice a regular part of their routine, you help them retain information and develop problem-solving abilities.

Stay engaged and supportive: Demonstrating genuine interest in your child’s academic journey shows them that their education is a priority. Make sure to ask them about their day, how you can help support them at home and in the classroom, and celebrate all of their achievements, no matter how small, as it can boost their confidence and motivation.

“When it’s back-to-school time, we get how stressful math can be for students and how it affects their overall school experience. With these tips, parents can help their kids start the school year strong and ready to do their best,” said Jeremy Grasser, center director for Mathnasium of South Elgin.

Mathnasium Learning Centers specializes in math-only tutoring and is committed to providing the world’s best instruction. The goal: teach children math in a way that makes sense to them. For decades the Mathnasium Method has transformed the way kids learn math — building students’ understanding of math concepts through personalized instruction and a customized learning plan — all while producing tremendous results and helping students achieve their full potential in math and in life.

“At Mathnasium, we’re here to support families every step of the way. Our approach goes beyond rote memorization; we teach for true understanding in a way that resonates with kids,” added Grasser “If your child is struggling, our customized learning plans are designed to help them grasp concepts thoroughly and build upon them progressively.”

Families looking to get a jump-start on back-to-school success can take advantage of Mathnasium’s Free Assessment and our Back to School Special of $100 off your enrollment fees. For more information about your local Mathnasium, visit www.mathnasium.com/southelgin/.