Hi Mamas
I have a 7th grader who is struggling in English, writing and has horrible handwriting skills. Can someone tell me what I can do to help him improve? Any suggestions are welcome. Also, my 6th & 7th graders are struggling with Pre-Algebra. Any ideas on how to help? Thanks in advance.
As far as the math, you tube has been a life saver when I'm helping my dd with math. There are hundreds of videos on every subject.
This is a good question, but it may be hard for us to answer because we don't know the nature of his challenges. I guess my first question is, have you ever had him evaluated for learning disabilities? There are some visual processing issues that affect math, English, and handwriting. And, some bright kids manage to compensate for, or mask, learning disabilities until about jr. high age, when the work gets more challenging. But that's just a thought. I don't know enough to say this with any confidence at all.
Your kid is struggling with Pre-Algebra because he didn't have a strong foundation, which is good Arithmetic.There is a gap in there that needs to be filled. In my opinion, he will need to take some time aside and practice basic Arithmetic (minutes here and there during weekends,etc) It doesn't need to be long hours, just minutes. Khan Academy is a very good resource, as another mom mentioned already. Saxon Pre-Algebra, and Saxon Math both are good resources since the textbooks explain step by step how to solve Math problems, Pre-Algebra, etc.
English, I am not sure you refer to grammar or how to write a paragraph and so?? You may want to take a look at Sadlier Writing Workshop Level A and B; it is practical, short and clear. Encourage him to READ a lot since it will help him to develop vocabulary and improve grammar.
"Handwriting without Tears", and "Happy Handwriting" (find them online) are two resources that I liked very much!
Finally, you have to tell your kid that he will need to practice and practice a lot to be successful at Math, or Algebra or Writing. Remember,there is not need to make everything tedious, just make him to practice 15 minutes every day and during weekends.
Good Luck!
Talk to the teachers and school guidance counselor and find a tutor who will work with him one on one.
Most guidance counselors know who tutors on the side and if you find a teacher who does this, your child will learn the skills the way the school teaches them vs some tutor in a box place of business.
Many teachers who tutor are those on maternity leave, staying home with young children, and those who are regularly in the classroom as well. In my area, most academic tutors charge $50 an hour.
As for handwriting, there are a lot of books used for this. We start basic printing in preschool and in 3rd grade cursive is introduced. By the 2nd semester, students who do not answer questions in cursive get a few point knocked off the grade.
There are also websites I have seen posted on here to use for at home tutoring but I am not familiar with them.
Hire a tutor. Ask the school guidance councilor for a list of teachers who tutor. I found my daughter's algebra 2 tutor by contacting the local community college's math department. Her rate is $10 below that of certified teachers and she is fabulous!!!
One thing that I've figured out is that Math (specifically Algebra) and English (Grammar?) make logical sense to me. I don't know if they do because of how I think or if I think this way because of my early beginnings with the subjects. My point is that it might have a lot to do with how your kids process information in general, and you might have to figure out a different approach for these subjects.
I always excelled in each of these areas. I enjoyed practicing and sometimes still do. Maybe you can use those elementary school writing books. The Mr. Pencil application might be helpful; it encourages writers to follow lines from beginning to end.
Is it possible that your child is in a rush? Maybe his/her mind is working way faster than his/her fingers. Maybe he/she gets bored with the topic once the thought process is over and then rushes through it.
I've played around on a few math websites in recent years. I think that if you do a search, you should be able to get specifically what might be helpful.
I can't give you any tips on the hand writing skills. My oldest has the worst handwriting on the planet. I try to get him to do it better but it just is more aggrivation on me cause he does not care. Do you know any teens that you can get to tutor them?
The middle school my kids went to alwa6ys pointed students to Khan's Academy online. My kids really went to it in 8th grade for help. Also, the teachers were available in the mornings to help them if needed.
