The National Math Advisor Panel stated way back in 2008 that there are three critical skills that students must master for algebra to go smoothly. They are:
- Effortless recall and fluency of basic math facts
- Fluency with fractions and how they interchange with decimals and percentages
- Certain aspects of geometry and measurement
To become fluent may occur naturally to some, but for others it takes practice. Having a firm grip on where the numbers are coming from is a start. How do you turn a fraction into a decimal? Or vice versa? Does your student "get" that percents, fractions and decimals are three ways to show something of the same value? That if we shared a cookie equally, I would get 50%, or 1/2, of .5 of that cookie. That benchmark is fairly easy, but what if there were eight of us sharing a twelve-cut pizza? I would get 11/2 slices, which is 1/8 of the pizza, or 12.5% of the pizza, or .125 of it. If you know the mathematical process, you should be able to figure out sharing that pizza if there are seven people or 15 people.
Algebra readiness is essential since all prior math leads to algebra and your student's success in the course. Success in algebra leads to further success for all future math. The pressure to get your child in algebra as early as possible is high but don't let it push your child into a math path they are not equipped to handle. Once they are in it they are in it. It can be a challenging and exciting path, or four years or frustration and struggle.
This summer Mathnasium of 4S Ranch will offer sessions to prepare your child for what lies ahead. Consider our summer sessions which include a "punch card" format to work flexibly with your summer plans. Get their brain charged with algebraic thinking and practice the essential skills with quality math instructors who make math make sense so algebra is understood from Day 1. We are here to help!
Algebra readiness is essential since all prior math leads to algebra and your student's success in the course. Success in algebra leads to further success for all future math. The pressure to get your child in algebra as early as possible is high but don't let it push your child into a math path they are not equipped to handle. Once they are in it they are in it. It can be a challenging and exciting path, or four years or frustration and struggle.
This summer Mathnasium of 4S Ranch will offer sessions to prepare your child for what lies ahead. Consider our summer sessions which include a "punch card" format to work flexibly with your summer plans. Get their brain charged with algebraic thinking and practice the essential skills with quality math instructors who make math make sense so algebra is understood from Day 1. We are here to help!
Image retreived 2/19/14: http://www.a4maths.com.au/userfiles/images/brickwall%20falling%20small.jpg
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