When Adalyn started tutoring, she had already faced her share of challenges with math. After some tough experiences in school, her mom decided to homeschool her. They tried a homeschool co-op, but the math program wasn’t consistent and focused more on STEM without building the basic math skills Adalyn needed. By the time she began tutoring, Adalyn was behind in math and struggling with fluency in basic math facts. She could get the answers but needed support with efficiency and consistency.
At first, Adalyn wasn’t thrilled about starting with the basics. “She felt like it was too easy,” her tutor explained, “but the truth was, she couldn’t get the answers quickly or consistently.” Problems like 17 – 4 or 8 – 2 would take far longer than they should, which slowed her down when tackling more advanced math.
Starting With the Basics
Adalyn, her mom, and the tutor agreed to focus on mastering the fundamentals first. “We had to remind her that getting these skills down would make the harder problems so much easier,” the tutor said.
As they worked together, Adalyn started began to see the connection. Now, she could solve subtraction problems faster, and that speed helped her tackle bigger, more complicated math problems.
Adalyn’s mom noticed the difference, too. She shared that Georgia’s “toolbox” of ways to approach multiplication and the extra assignments for practice between lessons were especially helpful for Adalyn. These tools filled gaps in her understanding and made math feel more approachable and less overwhelming.
It wasn’t always easy. Adalyn started frustrated with tutoring, but her attitude improved as her confidence improved. “Once she saw how much faster and easier math became, she enjoyed it,” her tutor shared.
Bridging The Gap
Today, Adalyn’s progress is bridging the gap in her math skills. She’s more confident and able to tackle more complex problems. With weekly tutoring sessions and consistent practice at home, guided by her mom and the tutor’s detailed plans, Adalyn has made significant strides. “It’s really night and day,” her tutor reflected.
Each week, Adalyn’s mom receives a list of practice activities, including IXL links and worksheets, tailored to Adalyn’s specific needs. This collaborative effort between the tutor and her mom has been key to Adalyn’s success. If Adalyn struggles with a concept, her mom provides immediate feedback, allowing the tutor to adjust the next lesson accordingly.
The Power of a Strong Foundation
Adalyn’s story is a testament to the change brought on when students develop a solid foundation in math. By patiently starting with the basics, she’s steadily progressing toward meeting her state standards. Her journey shows that, with the proper support and persistence, any student can find their “click” moment in math.
As her tutor put it, “Our brains are all different, and that’s what makes this process so interesting. For Adalyn, it was about making math light and fun and finding the approach that worked for her.”
