Ever feel like you’re navigating a confusing roadmap when it comes to your child’s education? Does it get more confusing when it comes to math? You’re not alone. Deciding when to introduce advanced math programs can feel overwhelming. Parents want to challenge their children and (hopefully) see them reach their full potential. At the same time, parents don’t want their kids to feel overwhelmed to the point of analysis paralysis.
Where’s the Line Between Basic and Advanced Arithmetic?
While online math tutoring platforms and school lessons can vary their approach to math teaching, it is an order in terms of which topics will be covered. For the most part, it will look something like this:
- Pre-Algebra
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- Algebra II
- Precalculus
- Calculus (including AP Calculus AB/BC)
But as you know, not all children fully understand each topic in this order. Not only that, but the pace at which they are learning math could vary. Some students begin pre-algebra as early as 5th grade, while others may not take calculus until their senior year of high school. Both paths are fine, provided they’re approached with the right mindset.
Advanced math isn’t about rushing. It’s about maintaining the child’s curiosity and desire to understand. It’s like anything else in life, from riding a bike to going to the gym. You start with training wheels screwed-on for a reason. You never rush into a workout without stretching first. Math is no different and every lesson within a particular topic prepares you for what’s next.
When to Move from Basic Math to Advanced Math
The temptation to wear stripes without earning them can be strong. All things considered, speed is not what you should be aiming for. An earnest understanding of the basics will always trump how quickly you can put that knowledge to good use. Before considering Pre-Algebra, make sure your child is solid in:
- Arithmetic
- Fractions
- Percentages
- Decimals
- Proportions
This isn’t about memorization, it’s about linking unrelated concepts and understanding why certain rules work the way they do. If a child understands how to divide a whole into parts, the logic behind fractions becomes much more natural. With a solid foundation, students will be able to carry out these calculations comfortably in later math courses.
When Will My Child Be Ready for Advanced Math?
Rather than relying solely on grades or test scores, there are some real-world signs that your child may be ready for advanced math classes. Here are some of these signs and quick explanations on why they are good indicators that your child may be ready to tackle more challenging math:
- They ask why? and how? more than what?: Advanced math rewards reasoning.
- They notice math in everyday life: Whether it’s wondering how interest works or how fast a car must go to beat a traffic light, curiosity beats a perfect report card.
- They show persistence, not perfection: Advanced math can be frustrating. The kids who succeed aren’t always the ones who get it right away, they’re the ones who don’t give up.
- They understand concepts, not just procedures: Can your child explain why multiplying by a fraction less than one gives a smaller number? If so, it may be time for trickier problems.
Good communication, such as talking during breakfast or before sleep, can offer you deeper insight into your child’s problem-solving abilities. There is also a plethora of math and problem-solving board games and apps that will show you where your kid stands in these areas.
Is Moving Quickly Through Math Topics Always Better?
We often see early calculus as a badge of honor. But if a student finishes high school disliking math or lacking core understanding, what’s been gained? There are all sorts of justifications given to rushing kids through topics, such as competitive school districts, talented peers, or even a parent’s ideas about what an acceptable pace looks like. Before considering an accelerated education, you should ensure your child can:
- Reason clearly and confidently
- Handle unexpected challenges with poise
- Apply math in real life
A seventh grader enrolled in precalculus might raise eyebrows. It sounds advanced, but a high school senior who can’t explain how compound interest could compound you into debt. It’s nice to feel your child is learning at a quicker pace than others, but it is not worth jeopardizing their math growth unless they’ve demonstrated a clear ability to tackle more advanced topics.
Why Math Actually Matters
Forget equations for a moment, let’s talk about decisions. Say you’re picking a credit card, do you understand the compounding interest rates? That’s algebra II and precalculus in action, saving you hundreds or thousands down the line. Or maybe you’re building rockets, coding simulations, or analyzing a curveball’s path. All of these topics are based around calculus. Every rung on the math ladder has a real-world impact. Here are just some of the examples:
- Pre-Algebra: How much will this hoodie cost after tax?
- Algebra I: If I retire at 62, how much will be in my savings account?
- Geometry: How do bridges stay strong supporting heavy weight loads?
- Algebra II: Can we predict how a new meme will spread online?
- Precalculus: Can we plot a rocket’s flight path?
- Calculus: How can we maximize lift on a plane?
Math isn’t some abstract obstacle course: it’s a toolkit; a lens; a language for the world around us. If your child can identify math in action in the real-world, it may suggest they’re ready for advanced math topics.
Mindset Over Milestones
Whether your child hits algebra early or later, the most important factor will likely be mindset. Once students see that math is here to help them rather than hurt them, their engagement skyrockets. They stop asking about when they will ever use this, and start explaining how well this explains the world around them.
A growth mindset teaches kids that struggle isn’t failure, it’s just part of the process. Help your child to think about math like a sport. You don’t master it on day one: you train; you fall; you get up; and you improve. Celebrate their grit, not just their grades. Praise their thinking, not just their test results. When kids believe they can grow, they do.
How Parents Can Help Their Children in Math
Math is more than just good grades on exams; math is about an understanding of how the world works and what makes things tick. We love making advanced concepts easy to grasp. With parents’ involvement, we are helping kids to rediscover the joy of learning math, even when it’s not their favorite subject.
The Online Math Center combines materials in a way that enables kids to recognize math in their daily lives, not just in their work sheets. Our tutors teach the fundamentals and beyond. Who knows? Your child’s interest in shapes and spaces might lead to a great career in the future.
