Math: One skill builds on the next, so there isn’t room for gaps
New math concepts will be introduced throughout the middle school years, including algebraic concepts. But in order to be able to master those concepts, kids need to have a strong foundation and understanding of multiplication, division, fractions and decimals.
Math is hierarchical. One concept builds on the next.
In the United States, there’s a big drop-off in math achievement late in middle school. This is when many students are really digging into algebra.
It’s critical that you’re monitoring whether your child is mastering core math skills during the middle school years and becoming “fluent” with skills.
This means your child has developed automatic recall of math facts and has essential skills down, like being able to multiply and divide both fractions and decimals with confidence.
For some kids, this takes extra practice.
Middle school is also the time when your child will get on a math “track” that affects whether they can take calculus in high school.
Get familiar with the math tracks in your school system:
- How are students placed in math classes?
- Is there an advanced track?
- If so, what are the requirements to get into it?
Ask your child’s math teacher, guidance counselor or even other parents.
Many schools offer pre-algebra to students in grade 7. A few schools may even begin teaching pre-algebra in grade 6.
Kids who have started Algebra 1 by 8th grade will have more opportunities for trigonometry and calculus in high school/secondary school—courses that can count for college/university credits.
“Make sure you are in tune with what is best for your child,” cautions Cortnee Berrill, Manager of Mathematics at Sylvan.
“There’s a lot more to consider than just math skills. Does your child have the commitment and organization skills to handle these advanced classes?”
It’s important that students aren’t put into more difficult math classes prematurely, Berrill explains. Some students may struggle and give up on math. “Students who take algebra in high school can still have a successful math career.”
How to help your middle schooler with math:
1. Show an interest in math homework if your child is struggling. Ask your child to show you their math homework and explain their thinking. Encourage your child to check their work and answer the question, “Does this answer seem reasonable?”
2. Avoid saying, “Here’s how you should be doing it,” and jumping in to try to teach math. This is a fast track to tears, frustration and “That’s not how my teacher is teaching it!” Instead, position it as, “I want to learn how you’re learning math. This looks interesting. Can you show this to me?” When your child gets stuck on a problem, don’t solve it for them. Instead, ask: “What is the problem asking? Have you seen similar problems before? Are there some things you could try?” The best role you can play is to listen and learn from your child.
3. Never criticize the way a teacher is teaching the math content. Instead, ask the math teacher why they are approaching it that way. Most likely, the approach your child is learning will make algebra easier down the line. Middle school math teachers are setting the groundwork for higher-level math, even if it feels different than the memorization techniques you may have learned as a kid.
4. Focus on whether your child is mastering fundamentals when your child comes to you with questions. Check your child’s work. There are usually multiple methods to get to an answer, so it doesn’t matter if your method is different from your child’s method. But you should both get the same answer. If your answers are different, ask your child to explain what they did, and look for possible calculation errors or an incorrect process. (For example, your child may have been trying to add fractions without finding a common denominator.)
5. Identify skills that your child may be struggling with. When your child brings home a graded math assignment, review any questions that your child missed. Remember, math concepts build on each other, so it’s important to make sure your child fully understands each concept before moving onto the next one. Use all errors as opportunities to review and learn. Reward your child’s willingness to learn from mistakes.
6. Ask your child’s teacher to share their calculator policy (when a calculator should and shouldn’t be used), so you understand expectations. Calculators are an important part of math when they’re used appropriately. But it’s important to make sure your child isn’t using a calculator as a crutch to “short cut” the basic skills needed for higher-level math.
7. Let the teacher know if your child is crying or struggling every night over math assignments. Write a note and let the teacher know, “My child didn’t understand x, y, z. What are our options?” (Don’t do the homework for your child. The teacher will never know there’s an issue, and you’ll unintentionally create even bigger struggles later in the year.)
8. Attend parent/teacher conferences. Ask: “Do you see any red flags or areas where my child is struggling?” Gather as much info as you can, and discuss your options.
9. Ask for help early if you see signs of frustration or struggle. It’s much easier to keep up with class than to have to chase after the class.
Be on the lookout for warning signs of learning difficulties
This is especially important during the middle school years when the pace of school picks up, and subjects become more challenging.
Even kids who seemed to sail through elementary school can struggle in new and tougher classes.
What should you be looking for?
Your son or daughter may:
- Find math problems challenging to the point of frustration
- Avoid reading or writing like it’s green kryptonite
- Have difficulty remembering or understanding what they just read
- Have difficulty understanding and/or generalizing concepts
- Misread directions and information
- Be slow to learn reading strategies, such as summarizing text or going back to reread a section that was difficult
- Spell the same word differently in a single piece of writing
Here’s how to support your child through learning difficulties
1. Think of your child’s learning difficulties as learning differences. Your child is smart. They just learn differently from other students. It's normal! Explain this to your child.
2. Talk to your child about their learning differences. Ask your child to think of a time when they easily understood a new topic, or really connected to a teacher’s teaching style. “What was it about that topic or teaching style that worked well for you?” You may discover that your child learns better by taking notes, or watching a video. Find ways to incorporate those strategies into other subjects as well.
3. Foster your child’s strengths, talents and interests. Give lots of praise and support your child’s efforts.
4. Monitor your child’s progress. Most schools grant parents access to their child’s account in the district’s learning management system. If you’re concerned about your child’s progress, it’s time to log in and see a record of their work. Are assignments being turned in? And on time? What do classwork grades look like? If you spot missing or late assignments, organization skills may need a boost.
If you see low classwork scores, then it’s time for a conversation with the teacher to determine the nature of the problem. Is your child distracted or unfocused during the lessons, or are they truly struggling with the content? Once you have more details, you can decide what to do next—whether it’s a request to change a seating assignment to a place with fewer distractions, or to find a tutor.
You are not alone in the journey through middle school!
For more tips and tools to make the middle school transition easier, check out Sylvan Nation's Middle School Tips and Resources! It’s our free parent resource for navigating school.
Need more support? To explore our proven Homework Help, Personalized Tutoring or Study Skills programs, reach out to your local Sylvan center today. We’re here to help!