Before You Teach Math Skills - Keep Math Skills Sharp During School Breaks

Keeping your child's math skills on track during school break is important to:

• Prevent regression;
• Reinforce skills through practice; and
• Give your child a stronger start for the next school session.

Begin Planning a few weeks before the break:

• Learn about Your child's learning disability in math.
• Ask the teacher what skills your child is working on, for worksheets, or software recommendations appropriate for your child's skill levels.
• Refresh your own math skills, review your child's homework and tests to determine skills you need to practice.
• Ask the teacher if there are preferences for how problems are solved. Must students to write down steps they use to solve problems? Must students explain why they chose a particular method for solving their problems?
• Ask the teacher for samples of good work.

Ask your child's teacher or school librarian if there are recommended workbooks, worksheets, or computer software you can use with your child to guide your summer studies. Does the school have online resources for parents to help them help their kids in math? Are there any recommended commercial websites for guidance?

Ask if your child's school plans to offer summer tutoring sessions or academic programs for students struggling in math. If so, ask if your child may attend. (Some programs are funded only to target specific groups of students, such as low income families or the lowest performing children, so not all programs may be available to your child.) Some teachers from your child's school district may tutor students privately over breaks. Ask your child's principal, counselor, or teacher if they are aware of teachers who plan to offer those services or if they will post your interest in tutoring in the teacher's lounge.

If your child has a history of regression with his math skills or is likely to show regression, she may qualify for School Year Services (ESY). If you believe your child will qualify for ESY, request an IEP team meeting to discuss it. The team must review your child's math performance throughout the year to determine if she qualifies. Generally, to qualify, students must have a history or strong likelihood of significant regression beyond what typical students experience.

Some community resources such as public libraries and community education programs offer summer tutoring or activities that reinforce skills. There may also be commercial tutoring resources available. Your local library may be able to help you identify services in or near your community.