{"id":26422,"date":"2018-02-15T18:46:28","date_gmt":"2018-02-15T23:46:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.backtobasicslearning.com\/?p=26422"},"modified":"2018-02-15T18:46:28","modified_gmt":"2018-02-15T23:46:28","slug":"does-your-child-suffer-from-math-anxiety-heres-how-parents-can-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/backtobasicslearning.com\/does-your-child-suffer-from-math-anxiety-heres-how-parents-can-help\/","title":{"rendered":"Does your child suffer from math anxiety? Here’s how parents can help!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Math<\/a>Math anxiety is a phenomenon that is often considered when examining students\u2019 problems in mathematics.\u00a0 Mark H. Ashcraft, Chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, defines math anxiety as \u201ca feeling of tension, apprehension, or fear [of math]\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Research confirms that pressure of timed tests and risk of public embarrassment have long been recognized as sources of unproductive tension among many students. \u00a0Marilyn Curtain-Phillips, M. Ed. explains in\u00a0The Causes and Prevention of Math Anxiety<\/em>, \u201cThree practices that are a regular part of the traditional mathematics classroom and cause great anxiety in many students are imposed authority, public exposure and time deadlines. Although these are a regular part of the traditional mathematics classroom cause great deal of anxiety.\u201d<\/p>\n

Much of this anxiety also happens in the traditional classroom due to the lack of consideration of students\u2019 different learning styles. And, the anxiety often translates into poor math performance.<\/p>\n

In fact, according to the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), math scores slipped for fourth and eighth graders over the last two years. And, only 1\/3 of the nation\u2019s eighth-graders scored in the proficient or above range in math.<\/p>\n

Did you know that the \u201cnormal\u201d math track has shifted down?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

30 years ago, the normal track was for students to take Algebra I in ninth grade, followed by three years of college-prep math.\u00a0This worked well for most students, and there was always a way for a select group of students to get ahead by taking algebra in eighth grade and advance to Calculus by their senior year.<\/p>\n

But in the past ten years, there has been an explosion of students taking algebra in the eighth grade\u2026 and earlier.\u00a0 The \u201cnormal\u201d track in many schools is now for most students to take algebra in the eighth grade.<\/p>\n

Too much, too fast?<\/em><\/p>\n

Dr. Jerry Brodkey has a Ph.D. from Stanford in Mathematics and Curriculum Education and has been teaching math for over 30 years. He urges caution to parents when selecting math courses for students. \u201cWhen a student is pushed to take a class for which he is not ready, he rarely acquires a lifelong affinity for math.\u00a0Instead, he develops a desire to get out of math classes as fast as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Building a strong math foundation: How parents can help at home this summer<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Make sure that your child understands the concepts, rather than just memorizing meaningless rules (using fractions when cutting a pie is just one example).<\/li>\n
  2. Review math vocabulary to ensure that your student can define the skills he\u2019s learning.<\/li>\n
  3. Computing math problems in your child\u2019s head will reinforce concepts more quickly than using a calculator (have him calculate the tip at a restaurant, or add up the cost of items in the grocery cart).<\/li>\n
  4. Explain how math applies to real-life situations. Math is much more interesting if your child can understand its real world value. (how much money does a 30% off sale really save?)<\/li>\n
  5. Drills and flash cards are quick ways to solidify basic math facts.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Math is the universal language. Make sure that your child speaks fluently this summer!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    What can a parent do if these strategies still don\u2019t help? Back to Basics Learning Dynamics in Wilmington, Nationwide offers\u00a0 a full range of math tutoring, programs and camps for students of all ages.<\/p>\n

    Math Counts, Maintenance & Enrichment (K-1st, 2nd \u2013 3rd, 4th-5th)<\/strong>
    \nIn this 5 week small group math skills program our experienced instructors will provide strategies to strengthen your child\u2019s basic math skills as well as focus on exploring\u00a0problem-solving strategies, mental math training and logical reasoning. Students will work independently and within the small group to improve mathematical awareness through a variety of text and online materials.<\/p>\n

    $299 with $20 materials fee for 15 hours of instruction
    \n5 week program runs July 9 through August 10<\/p>\n