Tutor for MCPS 2nd Grader: Too Soon?

[Anonymous]

DD is 7 and hates math already. It hurts her head. She feels dumb. She's a worker and tries hard, but is feeling defeated already. I've tried talking to her teacher and she's getting a little extra help in the classroom. I've tried workbooks with her at home (Singapore Math). She really doesn't get it, and I'll admit, I'm becoming frustrated, which makes her anxiety worse. Is it time for a tutor? We can't afford $70-100/hour and hoped that MCPS would offer some kind of intervention at school, but that isn't happening. Are there any programs in place that could help? Fun computer games? If it sounds like I'm an overachieving, competitive mom, I really couldn't care less what math group she's in. I just want her to feel confident and competent at math. Growing up dyslexic, I know how these struggles affect a child's self esteem. Advice?

[Anonymous]

OP, your "hates math already" first sentence makes me think that you think it's normal for people to hate math eventually, just not in second grade. Maybe I'm reading too much into it?

What Singapore Math books have you tried with her at home? If she's frustrated and feeling defeated, then I would start with the kindergarten books. On the other hand, if you're becoming frustrated too, then perhaps it would help to have somebody who isn't your child's mother doing the teaching/tutoring.

Also, what did the teacher say? The teacher should have some idea of your daughter's specific problems in math.

[Anonymous]

I don't think it is too soon since it is clearly affecting her. Could you find a HS student who might be able to help for a lower rate? Alternately, she might be able to accomplish alot with a professional in not that many sessions. One on one time is way more productive than class time.

[Anonymous]

OP, your note that you are dyslexic caught my eye. I am dyslexic, too, and math was absolute torture for me - horrible. Reading actually came easier and more quickly than math...I never "got" math until graduate school. My son is dyslexic, too...it runs in families. He is having some trouble with math as well. Just saying...if you are dyslexic and your 2nd grader is struggling in school, it makes sense to consider that she might have inherited some of the same challenges and strengths you have. Its a whole different world out there with dyslexia from when we were kids, so it isn't anything to worry about, just check into. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

There are some computer websites - STudy Island comes to mind. MCPS pays for kids to have access. Also, places like Huntington Learning Center are more like $45 per hour. I used both for my oldest and found them to be effective. I don't think second grade is too young to start if she is feeling frustrated and not getting the hang of the basics.

[Anonymous]

This is dyslexic PP here - there are two things that I have noticed about math and dyslexia that are challenging, and so you might just check and see if these things are tough for your daughter: working memory and attaching meaning to symbols. Working memory is the ability to hold info in your head and manipulate it - to do math operations without dots or counters or whatever you need to be able to hold the numbers in your head and remember them while you manipulate them. The other, attaching meaning to symbols, is the ability to look at, say, 13, and know it is the same as that pile of 13 beans. Just the way dyslexics have trouble connecting the sound "ah" with the letter A, we have trouble remembering what pile of beans goes with which number - what the number MEANS. Add working memory problems - which makes memorizing math facts agony - to problems with associating meaning to symbols, and early math is torture. However, since dyslexics are fantastic with concepts and making connections and meaning out of ideas, higher level math, statistics, and science are all rewarding...if she can slog her way though lower level math. Good luck! Sorry for the long post.

[Anonymous]

It definitely sounds like your anxiety is making things worse, cut yourself out of the picture or find a new way of calming breaking it down for her - maybe the teacher can give you some steps on how to do this. Not all tutors are 75 dollars an hour, you can find people for less if you ask around. Can your husband work with her instead?

Is she below grade level?

[Anonymous]

OP, yes.
Get a tutor and do not listen to people who are judging you. It is not too early. There are some basics that your child is not getting. Having a good tutor will fill in the gaps in knowledge. Better now, when there is no pressure of the perfect gpa, rather than in MS and HS.

[Anonymous]

It is definitely not too early. Math builds on previous skills. There tends not to be a magic clicking moment that she gets it later.

What kind of problem do you observe? Singapore math is great with concept, but did you start her with the second grade book? If you want to try again with her, I would start with an earlier book. Even starts from Kindergarten B. This way, you can make sure that she does not miss anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are some computer websites - STudy Island comes to mind. MCPS pays for kids to have access. Also, places like Huntington Learning Center are more like $45 per hour. I used both for my oldest and found them to be effective. I don't think second grade is too young to start if she is feeling frustrated and not getting the hang of the basics.

Are there any good tutoring centers serving MoCo?

[Anonymous]

Singapore math books are fine, but if she is in the "I hate math" mood, you may want to start with a fun math learning game. We have been doing Mathwhizz and it starts off with a lesson and then a test. It is $20/month or ~200 for annual subscription. My son generally can do it by himself but I find it is sometimes helpful if I sit with him if he is struggling on an assignment.

We used to do Kumon books for basic drills in addition/subtraction, etc. and they were helpful but not great at teaching concepts like place value. The books also became boring so it is much easier to get him to do Mathwhizz on the side to keep up with concepts.

[Anonymous]

I had a friend whose daugther was in 5th grade when she was diagnosed with discalculia. Poor kid was smart enough to compensate for years but when the math got to a certain level she just collapsed. If it is indeed discalculia then you need to get her tested and evaluated, then get an IEP.

Don't plan on having MCPS evaluate her, their people suck, their goal is to make sure to not give you and special services.

With an IEP they are required to give you special services.

[Anonymous]

I didn't read your whole thread. My child is in 2nd grade and barely squeaking by in math. MCPS does not allow teachers in your child's school to tutor your child for money, but a teacher in a close-by school can tutor your child. I posted on a local list serve. Someone who works at a local school to me posted on their school mailing list and I ended up getting 3 people who were interested in the job. I took the 2nd grade teacher who works at a school a 10 min. drive from my house. She comes every week after school for an hour and we pay her $50/ hour.

She knows the second grade curriculum because she is teaching it. We feel fortunate. I would look for teachers in other schools close to your home school who might want to tutor.