Finding Extra Math Help for Your Child
by Sasha NorkinIs your child just not getting some basic math concepts? Are you concerned? Does your child's teacher reassure you with statements like "she'll learn it eventually" or "right answers aren't that important, it's thinking about the problems that count"?
The elementary school my daughter attends believes in the latest version of the "new math" where patterns and problems take precedence over answers and solutions. While some of the thinking about math is helpful, a number of basics fell by the wayside, including solid instruction in subtraction. The school thought this was OK, so school-based help wasn't an option.
As I set out to explore the possibilities, I found I wasn't alone. About half the third grade class was already getting supplemental math. The options: "Score" with Kaplan, Kumon math, or private tutoring.
Kaplan
Kaplan had a fancy center with computers and prizes. Kids played computer games to learn math facts. It was fairly pricey and I had to travel 15 minutes to get there. While some parents raved, somehow Score's system of rewards didn't sit well with me. One of the prizes for correct answers in math was shooting basketball hoops -- does this say something about our society's values?
Kumon
Next stop, Kumon math, which relied heavily on repetition. Children were tested, and then given work sheets to take home. Kids are supposed to work on the sheets each night, and then at the end of the week, take them back to Kumon to see if they are ready to progress to the next level. The parent monitors the work and makes sure it gets done correctly. The focus is on the basics, but it is a bit dull, and since I could easily make up my own work sheets I wondered what I really would be paying for at Kumon.
Private Tutor
Finally I settled on a private tutor. The price, 50 dollars an hour, seemed a lot, but it turned out to be well worth it. Perhaps I was lucky, the MIT trained tutor was a delight. He inspired my daughter, helping her to understand underlying math concepts and getting her excited about doing math. She became more confident and was rated among the best students in math at school.
Could I have achieved the same result another way? Maybe, but with 10 tutoring sessions, the change was incredible. Seeing my daughter with a sparkle in her eye and enthusiasm in her voice when discussing math was worth every penny. Could I have done the same thing as a "parent-tutor"? Perhaps, but an outsider has the ability to create a level of excitement and novelty that I, at least, couldn't.
Will I go the tutoring route again? If I have to, yes, but I'm hoping the math mastery she achieved last year will carry her through this year as well. Other parents are taking a wait and see attitude as well. We're only into the second week of school, and we all hope that the "new math" turns into "real math" this year!
