When one of our tutoring students first started, math wasn’t something he was particularly excited about. He had received tutoring to support his in school learning, but engagement in class was a challenge. He wasn’t always interested in math and sometimes found it hard to stay focused.
That all changed when he transitioned to homeschooling and started working more consistently with his tutor. With a plan in place and regular lessons, his math skills started to take off.
Building Strong Math Skills
One of the first things that became clear was that he had a solid foundation in basic operations —addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. But mental math wasn’t a big part of his skill set yet. Through practice and different strategies, he started building his mental math skills, finding faster ways to solve problems.
It became such a strength that he and his tutor even joked about making shirts that said MMK—Mental Math King!
Beyond sharpening his math skills, tutoring also helped him get into a better learning routine. He and his tutor worked together to make sure each session started with a little time to chat, and that he was set up for success with snacks, water, and short breaks when needed. These small adjustments helped him stay focused and make the most of his lessons.
Steady Growth and Higher-Level Learning
While he started out below grade level, he has made great progress. His tutor has been able to work through his curriculum at a pace that works for him, sometimes pulling in higher-level concepts when he’s ready. This means that when he returns to school, he’ll have the strong foundation he needs to succeed.
Even though math wasn’t always his favorite subject, he’s now seeing that he can do it—and that it’s not as hard as it once seemed. He’s gone from casually approaching his lessons to fully participating and even getting excited about new concepts. Protractors, anyone?
Learning in a Way That Works
This student’s journey is proof that sometimes, the right learning environment makes all the difference. With a flexible approach, consistent lessons, and the support of both his tutor and his parents, he has grown in focus, math fluency, and enthusiasm for learning.
By the time he transitions back to school, he’ll be ready to jump in—without the gaps that might have been there before.
Because when students get the right support, they don’t just catch up—they move forward with confidence.
