3Rd Grader Needs Help W/ Math

How about trying something like khan academy? It's free on line and walks through a lot of stuff starting at 3rd grade. The lessons are simple and explained well.

2 of my kids had math brain block meaning they just thought they couldn't understand it so why bother trying. Of course khan didn't exist that that point so we rolled the concepts of math backwards into things they already knew and felt comfortable with and then added the new ideas into the lessons. Once you break it down into basic things (and do it at home where there aren't peers around to judge) it seems to go easier.

https://www.khanacademy.org/

If she has had trouble for this long, it is time to find an outside tutor.

I am in the Plano ISD and we are not that fond of Sylvan or Kuman for tutoring purposes to help children catch up. Sylvan and Kuman are businesses and their bottom line is profit.... not your child's grade. Granted they are decent for helping children, just not preferred for one on one because we teach a certain way and students are expected to learn the way it is taught by their district. Some of the outside businesses are good but they don't all teach the way the school district teaches and in the end, the student ends up confused.

The best way to find a one on one tutor is to go through your school's guidance counselor. MANY teachers tutor on the side for extra money. They usually meet students for an hour at the local library or another quiet place to work one on one. This typically is $50 an hour and well worth it.

Tutoring is also offered in a small group setting at school for free. Make sure you take advantage of that as well. You are already taking advantage of that and this is a good start. Simply working on worksheets at home will not "teach" how to do things, it is just busy work. You need someone to sit down and explain each step of the process in order for your daughter to "get it".

There is nothing wrong with hiring a tutor from school. We hired tutors for our daughter when she was in elementary school for math and writing. She graduated this past June with honors and she just finished her 1st semester of college with a 3.87 GPA. We did not waste money... the tutors helped her tremendously. When we started the tutors, she was an average student and she excelled to straight A's.

A lot of times, several sessions one on one will help a student reach the point where they get it and then they can soar!

Best wishes!

Honest and sincere question - why can't you help her with 3rd grade math and save your money for when it is something you don't understand yourself?

I am also a teacher, although I teach AP English and can't help you with math at all. :)

Unfortunately I have heard the same things as TF Plano about Sylvan and Kumon. I would also try a tutor from the school district, or perhaps from a local college.

I have heard some positive things about the Khan Academy, however I don't have any personal experience with them.

Good luck!

I second what Diane says about Khan Academy.. It's free.. GREAT examples and as someone who didn't graduate HS and instead took my ged, I don't have strong math skills, KHAN Academy is helping me change that... I find it VERY useful!!

My daughter went to Sylvan for math when she was in middle school. It helped her tremendously. I tried helping her at home (I love math), but it was too frustrating for both of us (I just didn't know how to do it and that's not what the teacher said) Lol!

My grandson did Kumon and I was very happy with it. They taught him not only math, but good study habits/skills. They start the student off with things they know in order to build confidence. Then, they slowly build on those skills, never going to the next step until the child has mastered the previous one. It really gives them great confidence and let's them experience some academic success which is great!