1. Clarify their goals

First, we set our sights on an end goal on what we want to accomplish by the end of summer. Does your teen want to catch up on the math they took during this school year or get ahead by preparing for the math in the next year?

If they’re looking to catch up, are there specific chapters that they didn’t do so well on?

Do they want to get familiar with the math for next year to get ahead of the curve?

Do they want to be placed into a higher level class like honors?

We need to as clear as we can on this first. 

2. Choose tools that work for them

Physical Tools:

Text Books: If they’re looking to catch up on the math of this past year, they can use the text book of the year & then identify which particular topics they want to master. 

If they want to get a new textbook to work on new practice problems, or they hold negative feelings towards the previous one, you can get another one they like online. They will be able to practice with a new perspective & likely enjoy the process more.

If they’re looking to get ahead, they can ask the school to lend a textbook for next year’s math (if they don’t lend text books, you can get a math syllabus for next year and get a related book on Amazon).

It can be very encouraging to know they put in the time to know exactly what math is coming in the next year. 

Online Tools: Khan Academy is a free source that gives students practice problems & short videos as a recap of specific math topics. If your student enjoys self learning & can keep to a schedule to study by themselves, this option could be great for them.

There are also artificial intelligence flash card softwares available online that your teen can use to help them study. How it works normally is that as they answer correctly the same types of questions, those will then be sent to the back & show less often and they will be able to work on more questions they’re not as familiar with. 

Personal Tutor: When it comes to tutoring, there are many options available. There are in person, online, tutoring in groups, and 1:1 with a tutor. You can mix & match these, and there is likely a solution for that.

However, because there are so many options, there are a few questions to answer that can help you decide which one would be best for your teen. 

Does your teen work best & more comfortably in a group setting or a 1:1 setting where they get to build a connection to the tutor?

Does your teen work best in a group setting where they can learn in a small group with the tutor?

Does your teen work better & more comfortably in a 1:1 setting with a tutor?

Does your teen enjoy in person tutoring and have the physical aspect?

Does your teen enjoy online where they can take their session anywhere?

Many times you can find local tutors through library connections or by googling “tutors near me”. However, you want to make sure your teen enjoys meeting with the tutor because they will get alot more out of the tutoring sessions if they actually look forward to going. 

LogoLife offers math tutoring where your teen is matched with a personal tutor based on their learning styles, personality, and interests. This way we ensure the connection is built on a strong foundation & that the tutor is someone your teen wants to hang out with. Learn More Here

3. Take practice tests 

After your teen chooses whether they would like to catch up, get ahead, or both, it’s always a good idea to find out where they are currently. 

First they should take one before starting their studying, then they should be taking practice tests on a weekly or biweekly basis to measure progress. 

4. Create a study schedule

At last, it’s summer time. The sun is out. People are swimming. And the stresses & responsibilities of going to school are put aside for now. 

It’s easy to fully pause on thinking or doing anything academic related for our teens. And they have a reason to after months of hard work, learning, taking tests, and handing in homework.

We believe your teen should enjoy their summer. They should recharge their batteries and take a break. At the same time, without the stresses of everyday school & being responsible for multiple subjects, it’s much easier for your teen to learn & comprehend math.

To help them enjoy summer & catch up/get ahead in math, they can set up blocks of time each week to practice math. It can be 1 hour in the morning every other day. Of course, this schedule will have to work around their responsibilities, whether they’re getting tutored, or have other life things to take care of. 

Tips to keep on top of the schedule is to:

• Have a weekly check off list on the fridge, that they can check off as they put in their practice hours for math (it always feel good to check off things & know you were productive)
• There is a Family Calendar app called “Cozi Family Organizer” where you can set up the times & days there with your student
• And there are obviously many many more (if you have great tools you’ve used, feel free to share in the comment section below!)

 

We hope you enjoyed this article & would love to hear what other golden nuggets you’d like to read about.

Book a free consultation today for LogoLife’s LearnX (Personalized Math Tutoring).

Learn more about LearnX here.