Q1: What is one simple habit that can help students stay on track with math during the school year?
A1: Pre-emptively carve out some time each day to work on math. Take into account how long the student generally spends on math homework when considering this. Even if the student doesn't have homework, you should use some of that allotted time, even just 15 minutes, reviewing the various math skills learned in that unit. Spending a little time consistently every single day helps with habit formation. It also teaches students other valuable skills such as distributing their practice over time rather than cramming it all into the night before a test. The distributed practice will help students remember these skills long-term and build a stronger foundation.
Q2: What should students do when they come across a math problem they don’t understand?
A2: The most important step is, "Don't panic!" Our brains take a while to process information, especially when we're intimidated. Read the problem all the way through first, and even if you don't believe you can solve the problem, sit with it for a little while. Examine the parts of the problems and decide if there are any parts you currently understand. Work on the parts you understand first. Once you don't have any other elements you understand on your own, don't be afraid to ask a teacher, parent, or trusted peer for help. Both spending time alone on the problem and working with someone else's help are valuable tools to learning.
Q3: How can building strong math skills early in the school year help students later on?
A3: Math builds on itself. It is essential to spend time with topics that students have already worked on, as mastering these creates a foundation for the next level of math skills. It is tempting for students to see a previously-encountered topic and want to spend their time moving onto more challenging skills. This is an easy trap to fall into, but here's the truth: any time spent on the previously-encountered topics is invaluable. Once students have fully mastered all the details of the prerequisite skills, they will be able to learn all topics that build upon those skills much more quickly. Creating a strong math foundation sets the student up for success throughout school, not just on one skill or unit.
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