Math tutor for a 2nd grader? Too much?

[Anonymous]

My 2nd grade DD really struggles with math. She really has since she started school but it hasn't been so apparent until this year. She counts with her fingers still and her teacher says her goal is to stop using fingers - but she has no idea how to add/subtract otherwise. Fractions are over her head. I feel like it's all over her head, honestly. I have a hard time myself explaining the HOW and WHY of her math homework as I'm not particularly strong at math (and it has been some time!). Her teacher has sent home extra work for us but the result is the same. She tells me she doesn't understand, gets frustrated, insists she never learned the concepts... I just don't know if she is even paying attention.

I know her report card will come in the next week or two with the same thing - below grade level in math. However, when I mentioned that perhaps we should get a tutor, her teacher said she didn't think that was necessary. Is that overkill in 2nd grade? I just feel like she's slipping behind while they're learning the foundations and it's only going to get harder.

[Anonymous]

I would get a tutor and if that does not help, get her tested for math disability. The teacher may feel that it is unnecessary if you can work with her. but since you cannot, it is time to find someone who can.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely get her a tutor! Don't let her drown.

[Anonymous]

My first grader has had a reading tutor since the spring of kindergarten and a math tutor for the past 3 weeks. You know your child best, and if you think extra help is needed, I think it is better to intervene earlier especially when the basic skills that make up the foundation are being learned. I knew something was off even though the his kindergarten teacher said he was fine. I had him independently tested and he was behind. He actually really enjoys tutoring.

[Anonymous]

It might be an idea to get a math tutor for say 6 weeks, someone who can simply explain what is going on and help with the frustration.

Our DD is in 3rd. in 2nd she really struggled with math a great deal, but something kind of switched in 3rd. I think it helps that her teacher is great at teaching the concepts and going over them clearly each time something new appears.

[Anonymous]

Could she have dyscalculia?

Symptoms of Dyscalculia include the delay of simple counting, inability to memorize simple arithmetic facts such as adding, subtracting, etc...

My child really took to the singapore math books. They have a great chapter on number bonds, which should help any child really.

[Anonymous]

The first step is that she absolutely must know her addition and subtraction facts fluently without counting on her fingers. You need to have her work for 15 minutes a day at least 5 or 6 times a week on addition/subtraction drills. Online programs never worked for my kid. I had him do a front and back page of this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Plus-Methods-Learn-Addition-Subtraction/dp/0977732304
There are around 230 pages. Have her do 2 pages (so one page front and back) and do two to three minutes of flashcards one the problems she has learned so far. In 115 days or 4 months if you do it everyday you will see a big improvement. It used to be that math facts were emphasized in schools. They aren't at most schools. My older son really needed the written, daily practice to memorize math facts. Once he did he took off in math. I looked at research that once you memorize math facts it frees up working memory to allow you to concentrate on harder problems. My younger son didn't need as much practice and just seemed to pick up the math facts without much practice. I don't think it has anything to do with intelligence.

[Anonymous]

If you can afford it get a tutor

[Anonymous]

Thanks, all. I have reached out to a tutor in the neighborhood. I have wavered a bit because I was concerned about her being below grade level for reading at the beginning of the year and she seems to have finally caught up. I was hoping the same would happen with math when it finally "clicked". She just struggles overall to remain at grade level all around - that combined with her anxiety and inability to focus - just makes me question if perhaps we need to have her evaluated. Her teacher says no but I'm not sure if she's even allowed to say yes. DD has a 504 due to her anxiety but school says she isn't far enough behind to warrant an evaluation.

[Anonymous]

We're in the same boat and trying out Mathnasium. Good so far in building confidence.

[Anonymous]

There are a lot of kids that age at Mathnasium and Kumon, so no not too early especially if it is for support (there are people getting tutors for their kids that age to "get ahead" - now that is overkill imo but different strokes).

[Anonymous]

If you are at all concerned, I think an evaluation is a good idea. It can help you learn more about your child - where she is struggling, her strengths, how she best processes information, etc.

[Anonymous]

Why wouldn't you get her a tutor?? What are you waiting for?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why wouldn't you get her a tutor?? What are you waiting for?!

I wasn't refusing rather heeding her teachers advice that she didn't need one yet... Honestly, she is my oldest and I don't know what's "normal", you know? I assumed that some kids struggle to understand the concepts early on and then it clicks - like her reading.

[Anonymous]

Don't just get a neighborhood tutor, take her to a place like mathnasium where they can do an evaluation of her math skills. Do the evaluation before you proceed with tutoring.