How to Close Learning Gaps in 3rd to 4th Grade Math!
The complexity in math is not that some students can get it, while others can’t. Instead, its complexity is caused by its sequential nature. This means that Math is not complicated because it is too hard to memorize or understand, but because one must understand all the steps and concepts to excel in the subject. At Kids in the Yard, we are determined to improve the math performance of both 3rd graders and 4th graders regardless of their current math skills. According to our math educators and experts, math builds sequentially from the previous idea, requiring students to understand every concept before getting to the next one. Every new math skill and concept makes use of the previously studied one. Failure to understand the previous concepts subjects a student to a learning gap.
A learning gap can be described as a difference between what students are expected to learn and understand by a particular grade versus what they presently understand. In math, a learning gap occurs when a student is introduced to new concepts or topics without understanding the previous ones. Most of the students experience significant challenges in math when they join the third and fourth grades. Not only are new topics introduced, but the concepts also become more abstract while the learning pace significantly increases. Students in these grades who have missed out on steps hence to a learning gap since they are not learned or applied to solve multi-step problems faster.
Why is Math Learning Gaps a Major Problem?
Math learning gaps can create a significant problem for students since math skills build on each other. Children in grades 3 and 4 learn foundational skills and, without them, cannot successfully advance in high-level math concepts in upper grades. For example, it will be hard for a child who cannot count backward to understand the concept of subtraction. Math learning gaps can especially be complicated for children with dyscalculia (a type of learning disability).
Can Learning Gaps be closed?
Yes, learning gaps can be closed when they are well-addressed. Learning gaps can be closed even with years, months, or weeks after the period in which the learning should have occurred. While it is never too late to close learning gaps, it is easier to approach them as soon as possible.
How Should Math Learning Gaps be Addressed?
The first step towards closing math learning gaps is to know where the learning gaps are. As a homeschooling parent, it is not easy to understand what your child knows, what concepts they have missed, and what was never understood to begin with. It also natural for a parent to expect their child has mastered all concepts taught, only to realize later when handling more complicated concepts that your child is struggling and no longer confident in math. You can help to close the learning gaps by practicing math daily with your child. Ensure that you cover all the concepts learned in the class and previously, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Continuity is critical among 3rd graders and 4th graders because it helps them be more confident and comfortable in the subject.
Math learning gaps should be addressed by following instructions that will help to address poorly understood or missed concepts in math class. At Kids on the Yard, we close the math learning gap with significant consideration of the child’s learning pace. In addition, we ensure that the child can apply the learned concept in different situations and have room to ask questions or seek clarification. We understand that fixing math learning gaps, especially among 3rd graders and 4th graders, requires time and a lot of practice.
How Kids on the Yard Can Help Close the Mathematics Learning Gaps
Kids in the Yard is a tutoring company determined to build strong math foundations for 3th and 4th graders. We understand that a weak foundation in math can hinder your child from successfully advancing their skills in the future. Through the Kids in the Yard math program, we make it possible for your child to bridge their math learning gaps. We help children review and reinforce critical skills mastered from the past, such as division and multiplication, fraction values, perimeter, and area.
Our experienced and qualified educators focus on two significant areas to build a good math foundation for your child. First, they spend enough time with your child to understand all the learning gaps required to learn and relearn. Secondly, they equip your child with the right skills to better master new math concepts in the future.
