Math is a challenging subject for many students, and gaps in foundational concepts can negatively affect self-esteem. Parents may be equally frustrated at times with the conceptual changes that have come with the 2010 transition to Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Parents frequently tell me that they struggle with their elementary schooler’s math homework, because the methods for computation are now taught so differently.
I strive to foster confidence and a more comfortable relationship with this subject for both you and your child.
From fundamentals to advanced mathematics
Because math skills must be mastered sequentially, each student needs a solid foundation upon which to build. I provide support and an opportunity to fill in gaps that might be missing from early instruction.
With younger learners, I reinforce basic concepts such as multiplication tables, fractions, negative and positive integers, decimals, order of operations and percents. These areas are the weak links that often drag students down in middle school and high school.
As students advance, I provide clarification and individual instruction in:
- Geometry
- Algebra I & II
- Trigonometry
- SAT math
- SAT Subject Tests (math: levels 1 & 2)
Slowing down and practicing effective study habits to improve your child’s math
I encourage all students to write neatly and to slooooow down. Many careless algebraic errors can be avoided, when students line up the equal signs and make sure “4s” do not look like “9s.”
I teach students:
- specific time management skills
- strategies for standardized testing
- methods designed to sever their unnecessary dependence on calculators
- ways to use a graphing calculator to reduce computation time (for advanced learners)
Creating confident mathematicians
My goal is for students to develop enough confidence in their math skill sets to dispel test anxiety. Students often come to me and express distress about the fact that they understand the material but “freeze” when the time comes to perform on exams. My master’s level psychology training enables me to guide students in various methods to ease test anxiety and achieve success.
I absolutely HATED math before I met Lindsay. I couldn’t understand how to do many of the problems and did them wrong most of the time. Lindsay helped me to feel proud of myself and feel smarter. My grades got better and I finished the year with an A- in math!