TEACHING
KAM ELLIS M . ED Owner / Center Director Mathnasium of Southshore
HELPING CHILDREN make progress in
MATH DURING THE PANDEMIC
There is no debate that the sudden shift to remote instruction last spring disrupted teaching and learning for students . When schools closed , teachers were faced with developing alternative education practices . Now that some time has passed , several national studies show that student achievement has decreased in mathematics more than other subjects . Why ?
Well , it may be more challenging for teachers to differentiate instruction in math remotely . Some math concepts require using manipulatives and other materials that promote learning that reading , for example , may not need . Also , parents tend to read to student and are sometimes less equipped to teach math . Some parents have their own anxiety when it comes to math and may not be familiar with new instructional methods that are different than how they learned it in school .
As an educator , I am well aware that all students don ’ t learn the same way , or at the same pace . That fact alone presents the need for differentiation to meet the individual needs of students . Some of the inequities in math that will likely be exacerbated by Covid-19 include uneven access to remote learning , and the ability of families to support learning at home . Also , students with disabilities and English Language Learners may not have received the support needed to be successful .
School districts are training teachers on effective teaching practices in a digital setting as well as in the classroom . Now that many of our students are back on campuses , we are getting a clearer picture of undeniable gaps in student learning . Teachers and families can work together to help students during this time .
As parents , here are a few suggestions that may help your student : Ask Questions Ask students what they are doing in math . It is
30 MOMENTUM important to monitor daily work and be aware of the content introduced . Look at the math Year at a Glance ( YAAG ) for your child ’ s grade level . This document can be found publicly on the school district ’ s website . It ’ s found under curriculum information . The YAAG details the content students should be learning and when it should be taught .
Communicate frequently with teachers , it makes a big difference . Practice Math Facts Multiplication is typically introduced in 3rd grade , but many students have trouble recalling basic facts . There are many ways to solve problems , but memorizing these facts will help students in the long run . I have seen students struggle with multiplication in middle and in high school . The pandemic may have worsened this gap . Simple flash cards that you can find at the dollar store can help children in this area . Using them consistently and making it fun can eliminate anxiety around this skill . This can also be done with addition and subtraction flash cards . Math is Everywhere . Show students real world examples of math . Create word problems with real life scenario . Problem solving is a large part of math curriculum in most grade levels .
Give children money and allow them to pay for small purchases at the store . Challenge them to calculate the change .
When buying groceries , allow children to weigh produce and read the scale . Upper elementary and older students can calculate the price of the produce by multiplying the number of pounds by the price per pound .
Math involves using critical thinking skills that undoubtedly can help students in other subjects . We must support students by being engaged in what they are learning and work with teachers to build confident , lifelong learners .