EDUCATION

Helping a Child Who is Behind in Math this Summer

BY MORGAN JEMMALI

It GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT the pandemic has affected all our lives. If you’re a parent of a school educational development. But did you know the subject hit hardest is math? Studies by academic experts from NWEA Research program or tutoring, without the burden or distraction of other homework. With this year being particularly unique and impactful age student, you understand learning and Renaissance Learning show the average on some students, a summer math program disruptions due to the pandemic and child in some grade levels are now up to 12 might be the edge they need, while still how this may have affected your child’s months behind expectations in math due to allowing for fun activities and socialization. school closures. In the Fall of 2020, students Summer learning programs are also a great performed, on average, 10% lower in math opportunity for kids who are working at compared to Fall 2019, and once kids fall about grade level to preview the following behind, it’s often difficult to catch up on school year’s key concepts, giving them a their own. It can take months, or even years, jump start into the new school year. to make up missed learning and get back on If children stay engaged during the track. Also, when summer break arrives, math summer months, it will help them avoid the skills can slip even further; so, on top of the Summer Slide and the loss that kids often Covid Slide, there is the Summer Slide, where face over the summer months. It’s essential some kids lose up to 3 months of math skills, that tutoring is done in a fun, low-pressure resulting in lower self-confidence and a lower environment. As Larry Martinek, founder of chance of success in the Fall. Mathnasium, said “Children don’t hate math. Summertime is a great opportunity for They do hate being confused and intimidated kids to catch up (and possibly even move by math. With understanding comes passion, ahead) in math, when enrolled in a math and with passion comes growth.” ✦