Types of Math Tutoring for Children

Math is a skill you use every single day, often without even realizing it. Math is so much more than solving problems on a piece of paper. Some examples of math in your daily life are:

-- Choosing the size of your cereal bowl according to how hungry you are
-- Measuring out the ingredients of your favorite recipe
-- Watching the clock to see what time to leave for school
-- Blocking out time to do your homework
-- Deciding if you can afford to get both chips and a soda

Arithmetic
Arithmetic is used to combine, separate and divide quantities of items. You use arithmetic when you are adding up your allowance and deciding how to spend it. You also use arithmetic at the store to decide which item is the better buy. Math is often taught to you through repetition to memorize basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts.

Algebra
Algebra is a type of arithmetic. You use algebra when you are trying to figure out some unknown quantity. For example, if you have a total of 20 chips and you offered five to your friend, how many would you have left? Algebra can also be much more complex than this, such as when it is used to calculate interest rates on loans and savings accounts.

Geometry
Geometry is a series of rules, called theorems, about shapes that allow you to calculate the size and area of different 2-D and 3-D items, such as squares, circles, cubes and spheres. This type of math is used when building homes, laying carpet, determining driving time and more. In most geometry classes, you will learn the theorems and find ways to prove them. You will also be asked to calculate different lengths, widths and areas.

Trigonometry and Calculus
These types of math are much more complex and are taught in the upper grades of high school and college. They are used for solving difficult problems with numerous variables that require graphs and arcs to solve.

5 Math Tutoring Tips for Parents

1. Counting
The most basic skills in mathematics are counting and grouping (“seeing” numbers in groups). To develop counting skills, help children learn to count from any number, to any number, by any number. Do all counting forward and backward.

2. Fractions
As counting skills begin to develop, fractions can be introduced. Long before introducing words like numerator and denominator, teach children that half means “2 parts the same,” and have them use this knowledge to figure out things like:
• “How much is half of 6? …10? …20? …26? …30? …50? …100? …248? …4,628?”
• “How much is half of 3? …11? …15? …21? …49? …99? …175? …999? …2,001?

3. Problem Solving
Children become good problem solvers when they are asked to solve a broad range of problems early on, at home and at school. Start with easy questions; let the level of difficulty increase as the child’s ability grows.

4. Money
Preschool and kindergarten are appropriate times to begin this training. It is best that parents take care of these things at home, rather than have teachers spend valuable classroom time on them.
By the end of third grade, children should have learned the basic equivalents:
• 20 nickels = 10 dimes = 4 quarters = 2 half–dollars = 1 dollar
• 1 dime = 2 nickels
• 1 quarter = 5 nickels
• 1 half–dollar = 5 dimes = 10 nickels

5. Grouping
To expand children’s thinking processes and help them “see” groups, ask questions like:
• “7 and how much more make 10?” “70 and how much more make100?” “700 and how much more make 1,000?”
• “10 and how much more make 15?” “10 and how much more make 18?” “10 and how much more make 25?”
• “17 and how much more make 20?” “87 and how much more make 100?” “667 and how much more make 1,000?”

Special thanks to Joe Restivo for his contribution on this article.

How Your Child Can Benefit from Tutoring Services

No matter how old you may be, school can be very difficult. With the current situation now with schools closing and over populated classrooms, it is especially important to ensure that your child is receiving the best education possible. The most effective way to do this is to use outside resources and whatever it may take to make sure your child is comfortable and learning properly.

Swan Learning Center provides an impeccable service to those who seek tutoring. On average, students grow at least a full level in only 40 hours of instruction from Swan Learning Center. Diagnostic tests are provided to children so that the facility and instructors can better understand the needs of each individual. The tests are used to better understand where there may be gaps in skills and what areas need to be worked on. A variety of teaching methods are performed by the Swan Learning Center specialists can reach out to each student. Our specialists also work with teachers to make sure that what is learned at Swan Learning Center can directly translate to the classroom.

With tutoring services, students are given the opportunity to excel and succeed. The programs provided include Emergent Reading, Developmental Reading, Foundation Math, Advance Math, Study Skills and Writing. No matter what subject your child needs assistance with, Swan Learning Center has got you covered to meet each student's educational goals. Swan Learning Center even provides services such as Academic Coaching for middle school and high school students, study skills, and SAT preparation.

With the help of tutoring services, test scores will improve and academic performance will increase. When looking for a learning center, it is important to research and see what programs the center offers, find out if the center comes highly recommended from professionals and other parents, use a variety of different learning materials and ensure that the specialists are updating you, the parent on progress.

Your child's education is extremely imperative and at Swan Learning Center, we thrive off of seeing our students improve and excel in their studies. For more information on tutoring services and how your children can benefit from them, be sure to visit Swan Learning Center.