When parents and students are looking for a way to grow their math skills, math programs are often the first thing they research. Enrolling a child in the right math program can help academic development and growth, but there are other benefits in the long term. From greater confidence in school to building better problem-solving skills, a math program can equip children with the tools necessary for success in all aspects of life.
What are Math Programs and What Types of Math Programs are Available?
Math programs are the name for many different types of services that help students with math. Some students use math programs to join math competitions like Math Kangaroo or the Math Olympiads. Other children could use additional support to catch up or fully understand math concepts in school in order to build a stronger foundation. No matter why kids are in math programs, extra help in understanding such a necessary skill can only help students. Here are some of the most common types of math programs.
- Private tutoring services
One-on-one tutoring is one of the most used and available forms of math programs in almost every community. Available both in-person and online, having a specific tutor for your child can be beneficial because they have the ability to meet their students exactly where they are in their math ability. There are some downsides to private tutoring, including higher prices, lack of social learning, and tutors without experience, so more research may be needed. For students who work best with 1-on-1 attention, private tutoring might be the best option for them.
- In-person classes and workshops
From after-school programs to weekend and monthly classes, there are a variety of in-person math classes and workshops. Social learning is an important aspect of education and social development. In-person classes give students of the same skill level a chance to form connections and help each other learn. Working together helps create bonds between kids and creates a safe environment where everyone feels on the same level. One issue with additional classes and workshops is they might not offer the same one-on-one attention some students may need. It is key to test out these programs to see if they are a good fit for a student
- Online math programs
Online learning programs are one of the most used ways to get educational support anywhere. From programs that offer free online supplemental content, like Kumon, to programs that offer a mix of classes, games, videos, and live teachers like Spark Math by VISPARK, there are tons of options for students to find online. These programs are often adaptable to what your student is learning and, when used together with live guidance, are capable of being great for kids who need to catch up and those who are looking to become masters in math.
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4 Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in a Math Program
Starting a student in a math program can have benefits that can set them up for success in their academic and professional careers. Here are just a few of the ways that a math program can help children get what they want out of their math education.
Improved math skills
The most obvious benefit of enrolling a child in a math program is that it can help improve their math skills in school and in life. Math is a subject that is used every day and in almost any career. A math program can help your child understand the math concepts they are learning in school. Math grows upon itself, so if a student gets left behind in understanding one concept, they might be struggling with the subject from that moment forward. Having a little extra help and time with a math program can make a difference in the long run.
Better test scores
For many families, the search for a math program starts with trying to build up math scores. After the Covid-19 pandemic, math scores have gone down in elementary school children, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics. Some students need a little help getting back to a more normal in-person learning style or need a little help getting back on track after such a change in the way they learn. With classes filled with students who may have gotten lost in the subject, left behind without fully understanding a concept, or need a little time to adjust, the extra time provided by a math program might be the best way to get those scores back up.
Increased confidence in math
Math anxiety is an issue many students deal with. Feeling nervous, anxious, or even frightened before math class, or math test, can be normal. However, when that anxiety becomes so overwhelming that students are unable to perform well on tests, it becomes a bigger issue. Enrolling in a math program can help boost their confidence by providing students with the support and guidance they need. As they see their skills improve, their confidence in their ability to tackle math problems will help relieve that anxiety. Videos, games, and cartoons are just some of the ways math programs help build confidence. Being prepared is key to confidence, and just like in sports it’s not just about practice, but the coaching you have around you, that helps your confidence to succeed.
Different career opportunities with math
A good understanding of math can open up a lot of doors in a child’s future. Many types of careers, including science, engineering, and finance, are known for being based on math skills, but they aren’t the only ones. From special effects designs in superhero movies to creating the next best video game all require an understanding of math. Many math programs find fun ways to help students embrace math. Enrolling a child in a math program can help set them up for success in their future career by giving them the skills and knowledge they need to reach out and attain their dream jobs.
With so many benefits to math programs, now is the best time for students to take advantage of the opportunity to become math masters through math programs. The important thing to remember is there is no magic wand that makes math become an easier subject or more understandable to a child. Take time to find what works best for them. Just because a specific math program works for one child doesn’t mean it will work for all. Finding what programs work for your child is the first step to enjoying the benefits of a math program.
Want to see if Spark Math by VISPARK is the right math program for your child? Sign up for a a FREE trial class today!
Classes are for children ages from 5 to 9. Learn more about how Spark Math by VISPARK helps test preparation, grow math scores and make learning fun for your child! Sign up for a FREE trial class or contact one of our education consultants to learn more at inquiry@sparkedu.com or 1-888-890-3332.
