Concerned about missing math class during COVID-19? 

Were you falling behind in math even before COVID-19, and now you’re wondering how to catch up?

You are not alone.  By March 4, 2020, over 1.5 BILLION students , from primary to college, were forced to stay home from school, according to the U.N.

“It’s really hard to figure out how to parent and take care of my home and try to help my daughter not get far behind in school,” said a Canadian mom who found herself working from home AND homeschooling her kids.   Students are missing their daily structured environment, and they miss their friends.  

Many schools closed in March and will “reopen” in September.  We have yet to hear what that reopening will look like.  Will students go part time?  Will they have to do most of their work online at home?  For subjects like math, how will the teachers help the kids who fell behind?  

The good news is, everyone CAN do well in math!

No matter what level you’re at, you can catch up and learn.

Not everyone has the best environment in which to study and many people don’t get a good foundation in primary and elementary grades; however, with some determination, the right resources, a lot of hard work and grit, you can catch up and  you can do well in math.

Things You Can Do To Improve Your Math

Here are some ideas. Things you can do to catch up in math, keep your skills current, or prepare for the upcoming school year.

1. Talk with your math teacher.  Ask them how you can improve and/or keep your skills current.  
2. Check out Khan Academy (khanacademy.org).  The following is a link where they give you seven tips for making the most of the site:  https://www.khanacademy.org/khan-for-educators/resources/students/resources-for-students/a/seven-tips-for-making-the-most-out-of-khan-academy.
3. Find a tutor.  You can search for another student who can help you.  Maybe someone a couple grades higher than you, or a college student.  Or, you can search for a professional math tutor like at Math Is Your Path.  The second option will require a greater investment; however, if you can do this, it might mean you get into a program or a college of  your choice and lead to a great career in science, medicine, technology, etc. 
4. Investigate other math websites.  There are quite a few of them!  Try:  Math Is Fun, Mathsbot, Math Games, IXL, Multiplication, Timestables, and many more.  Some are free, like Math Is Fun, and some will charge a fee, like IXL.  
5. Sign up for an Outschool class (outschool.com).  You can find a math class for as little as $10.  You will link with the teacher and classmates via zoom.  

References:

Valerie Strauss, Schools of more than 90 percent of the world’s students closed during this pandemic, The Washington Post, April 6, 2020.

Gregory Strong, The math ain’t working:  online schooling not a smooth transition for parents during Covid-19, The Canadian Press, May 15, 2020.