Imagine your child facing a tough math problem. They look at it, try to figure it out, but somewhere along the way, things just don’t click. Frustrated, they try a few different ways, but nothing feels quite right. It’s a scene many parents know well from homework sessions at the kitchen table.
Now, picture your child using a clear, simple strategy that helps them break down each part of the problem, like fitting puzzle pieces together. What seemed hard now feels doable, and they solve it with confidence. That’s the magic of our method—it makes math feel logical, clear, and even a bit fun.
At Tampa Bay Test Prep, we use our method because it helps students build clarity and confidence. Both our method and Common Core aim to deepen understanding, but our method’s structured, visual approach gives kids that extra boost to succeed.
The Core of Common Core
First, it’s important to understand that Common Core isn’t a specific type of math—it’s a set of standards. Common Core was designed to ensure students across the U.S. reach a consistent level of mathematical understanding, no matter where they go to school. It sets guidelines for what students should know at each grade level and encourages them to explore different ways to solve problems. This approach lets students explore different ways to solve problems, breaking numbers down to help them see how math fits together.
But for many kids, this mix of methods can feel a bit scattered, sometimes making math more confusing than it needs to be. And that’s where our method really stands out, taking a simpler, more focused path.
The Strength of Our Method
We take a clear and focused approach that builds a strong math foundation right from the start. It’s all about true mastery—not just going through the motions but really understanding each concept before moving on. We use tools like bar models, which break down tough problems into simple, visual steps. This way, students don’t just learn to solve; they gain a deep understanding of each step along the way.
Similarities Between Common Core and Our Method
Problem-Solving Focus: Both methods aim to deepen understanding. They encourage students to think critically about how they arrive at their answers.
Conceptual Understanding: Both methods focus on understanding math, not just memorizing it. They want students to really know why things work the way they do.
Key Differences in Approach
Approach to Learning
Common Core:
- Offers different ways to solve problems, often with multiple paths to the answer, which can be confusing for students who benefit from a single, structured approach.
- Focuses on understanding the why behind each step.
Our Method:
- Sticks to a clear, step-by-step approach with fewer methods but digs deeper into each one.
- Follows the CPA (Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract) method to build a strong foundation, making sure each concept is solid before moving on.
- Known for its clear, straightforward methods that stay consistent as students progress.
Visual Learning
Common Core:
- Uses some visual aids, but not as consistently as our method.
Our Method:
- Puts a big focus on visual tools like number bonds and bar models to help students “see” the math clearly.
Curriculum Structure
Common Core:
- Covers a broad range of topics within each grade level.
- Often spreads concepts across multiple grades.
Our Method:
- Focuses deeply on fewer topics per grade to ensure mastery before moving on.
- Builds concepts gradually, making it easier for students to move from one grade to the next.
- Each new concept can be clearly tied to the one before.
Why We Choose Our Method
Our method’s clear, visual, and in-depth approach helps students build real confidence and mastery. It’s not just about finding the answer; it’s about truly understanding math concepts that stick with them as they move into more advanced topics.
From our experience, students using our method become stronger problem-solvers with a real sense of math’s structure and logic.
Hear from Parents Like You Whose Students Have Taken Our Classes
“My daughter has been thoroughly enjoying the class, and it has significantly boosted her confidence and understanding of new math concepts for 4th grade. It’s wonderful to see her enthusiasm grow!” — Shayda P.
“She is grasping the math concepts with clarity. I appreciate the comprehensive math packet the teacher provides, along with detailed updates on my daughter’s progress after each session. It really helps us stay informed!” — Shayda P.
“Wonderful and patient teacher. Great assignments.” — Petra S.
“Very communicative. Will definitely attend again.” — Latia M.
Our method doesn’t just teach math—it builds confidence, helping students truly enjoy learning. We’re committed to making math a subject your child not only understands but also loves.
