Author Archives: Elise Rose

Unknown's avatar Elise Rose 7:58 pm on September 17, 2020
Tags: , , , tutoring   

How Math tutoring can alter your child’s future in the most unexpected ways

When looking for good math tutoring in Saskatoon, there are certain things that have to be kept in mind. The best tutors for math will offer flexible, affordable and customized learning plans.

Good math tutors offer one to one sessions so that children get the individualized attention they deserve. An experienced math instructor will create customized learning sessions based on your child’s unique learning style and current knowledge.

A good math tutor will adopt a good philosophy of coaching that is blended with fun and interactive sessions to help the child understand the concepts and skills of the subject with ease.

Experienced tutors for math tutoring will motivate the child to adopt good logical thinking and will eventually have your child in the driver’s seat and guide them towards finding answers and setting great goals. The tutor will encourage independence so that the children build real knowledge and analytical thinking that will help them not only in their lessons but also in every aspect of life.

A good math instructor in Saskatoon will instill the concepts of each topic to the child which will build confidence and skills in math. At times children feel dejected and depressed with failures and they may feel doomed when they get low grades on their tests. An experienced math tutor will be a good motivator and help your child cope up with failures with an optimistic approach and positive attitude. This aspect will not only help kids to handle failures in their school years but also it will mold them to manage any and all kinds of challenges in their life well.

Math requires a child to have a good calculative approach and logical thinking. A reliable tutor will, with constant training and regular practice sessions, inculcate analytical thinking and a problem solving approach that will not only help children with their school lessons but also will enable them to cope with the challenges that their lives might put forth in the future.

Successful math tutors will never force the children to follow their approach. Instead, they act as facilitators, allowing students to offer suggestions and solve the problem differently in their own way. The instructor allows the children enough room for collective discussions so that they get ideas about the topic and understand the concepts to the core.

Great math tutors know that children have varied interests. The tutors then come up with flexible programs that are in sync with the skills and knowledge of the child. The tutor motivates the student not only with the regular math lessons but also for a successful career. The instructor also communicates with the kids on a regular basis to help them acquire the right problem solving skills applicable in the profession they are planning to enter into. By doing this, the tutor prevents the kids from losing interest and developing disengagement from math.

Good tutoring in math alters the future of your child in the most unexpected ways such that your child is not only well versed with the subject but also develops skills and knowledge required for a successful career and future.

Unknown's avatar Elise Rose 5:58 pm on August 23, 2020
Tags: , , , ,   

How to Get Maximum Results from your Math Tutor

An online math tutor is the best option in Saskatoon to facilitate your child’s academic success, so it’s important to commit the time and financial resources to maximize the tutoring results. Tutoring represents a significant investment that should be maximized to get the best results, so selecting the right online math tutor from the beginning will set your child on the path to great results. To get maximum results, here are some things you should consider when choosing an online math tutor:

  1. Qualifications, Experience & Successful Track Record – Tutors come from various backgrounds but they should always be upfront about their qualifications so you fully understand what qualifies them as a great tutor and how that lines up with your child’s needs. Past experience and a track record of success are also very important factors in determining the right online math tutor. Find out if previous students have met their learning goals and built positive habits from the tutoring experience
  • One on One Instruction – Studies show that direct instruction is the most effective way for a child to learn. An online math tutor will be most beneficial when they spend time instructing your child in a one on one setting so your child feels comfortable and secure while learning.
  • Student Led Approach – The tutor should embrace an approach that puts your child in the driver’s seat rather than providing them the answers. The goal is for your child to become independent working with each math concept and not to rely on the instructor. You’ll notice this quality when the tutor asks great questions, lets the child get it wrong so they can learn from the mistake and when they don’t give them the answers
  • Understands your Child’s Needs, Learning Style & Goals – An intake assessment should be the first step for any online math tutor or math learning centre. Your child is an individual and the tutor should take the time to understand where your child needs support, how they learn and what goals they have. A personalized plan should be created using this detailed information so there are measurable and attainable goals for your child to achieve
  • Fits your Schedule & Budget – Be sure to have an upfront conversation about costs and scheduling. For tutoring to be successful, dedicated time is required each week so you’ll want to be careful to select a tutor or math learning centre that can accommodate the scheduling needs of your family and that it is sustainable in your budget

Once you’ve got a great online math tutor in place, there are some ways to work with the tutoring program and your child to ensure you’re getting maximum results. You’ve taken the time and effort to choose the best online math tutor in Saskatoon for your child’s learning style, needs and goals, now it’s time to maximize that investment!

  • Engage with your child’s teacher so tutoring can line up with in-class learning
  • Share what’s being taught in math class with the tutor so sessions can be aligned
  • Have your child discuss their homework with the tutor in case support is required to complete it
  • Reinforce good work habits at home such as a set work time & area, minimize distractions and provide strategies to find help when needed
  • Help your child to be on time and prepared for their sessions
  • Encourage regular math practice and completion of all assignments from school and the tutor
  • Maintain a positive attitude towards learning and discuss growth mindset with your child to support them if they hit roadblocks in their learning
  • Ensure the tutor consistently re-assesses your child’s knowledge and adjusts the learning plan as needed
  • Regularly discuss your child’s progress with the tutor and ensure your child knows how things are going as well

Tutoring can provide invaluable skills, strengthen work habits and build confidence that will stay with your child long after the sessions are complete. It is an investment that benefits them in many more ways than just the initial need that caused you to seek outside support. In order to maximize the results from your online math tutor, we highly recommend using the tips shared above to select a great tutor, set the sessions up for success with teacher-parent-tutor alignment and to remain involved in the process.

Working with a reputable math learning centre like Mathnasium of Saskatoon will make this process much easier. Mathnasium centres have well vetted instructors and guarantee a personalized student-led approach that is informed by an intake assessment and your child’s unique learning style, needs and goals. We offer flexible hours, affordable plans and a great environment that both stimulates and celebrates your child’s desire to be successful.

Mathnasium of Saskatoon instructors know the math curriculum and work closely with parents to ensure alignment that will maximize the results from the tutoring program. We’re here to work with your family and to give your child the gift of learning and confidence. Learn more about Mathnasium for families in Saskatoon on our website.

Unknown's avatar Elise Rose 6:19 pm on June 13, 2020  

How to Choose a Math Tutoring Centre for your Child

Math tutoring centres are often the best fit for your child’s tutoring needs from the options available in Saskatoon. Tutoring centres offer an environment that is based around learning, progress and success and can often be much more flexible than an individual private tutor. Once you’ve decided to find a centre in Saskatoon that fits your child’s needs, you’ll likely be wondering what to look for and how to assess the various options available. Here are some tips on how to choose a online math tutoring centre in Saskatoon that will help your child succeed.

  1. Initial research – We strongly recommend setting criteria ahead of time so you are comparing all options the same way. This will make it much easier to narrow your choice to those who are the closest fit and to weed out those that are not going to work
  • Past History – Look into the Centre’s reputation, reviews and track record for any glaring red flags or misalignment with your needs. You should see evidence of previous results, testimonials and reviews from past students that demonstrate their ability to provide support and results in the areas of your child’s goals
  • Qualified staff – Find out how the instructors at each tutoring centre are vetted and what the hiring criteria is. Many centres will require teaching degrees, some only prior tutoring experience and many will have staff trained in their specific methods. While all can be great options, you’ll want to know this upfront so you’re choosing the right qualifications for your needs
  • Convenient scheduling – It’s critical that you set up a time for tutoring sessions that your child can consistently attend. Some tutoring centre’s have limited hours of availability so be sure to check that it’s a good time fit for your family as well
  • Affordable in your budget – Maintaining consistent sessions is critical to achieving tutoring goals and if the cost is unsustainable in your family’s budget, you will not be able to stick with it.
  • Assess the type of services offered – How an instructor interacts with students is the most important factor that determines a successful experience. To ensure a great fit, we suggest looking for these attributes in the tutoring centre’s philosophy and how the instructors work with students
  • One on one lessons to ensure maximum focus
  • Assessment that finds gaps and needs
  • Individualized program built based on assessment findings and personalization
  • Goal setting that is incremental and measurable
  • Fun, interactive and caring attitudes towards learning and student relationships
  • Student led sessions where the instructor is more hands off
  • Celebrate each success, no matter how small
  • Regular check-ins on progress towards goals and re-assessment of knowledge
  • Open communication with parents

Once you’ve narrowed your choices and you’re ready to move forward with a tutoring centre, you should be sure to discuss how it’s going with your child for the first few sessions. Experience will be your best resource on determining if it’s a good fit or not. While there may be an initial resistance or resentment towards the need for tutoring or the change in schedule and routine, that should quickly wane as tutoring gets underway and early progress is made. A great tutor will begin developing a rapport right away and will find the right goals to spark your child’s desire to invest time and effort in the program.  If any part of the initial sessions aren’t working, we would suggest trying another option. Don’t be afraid to try a few options until you find the right fit – it can take time!

At Mathnasium of Saskatoon, we operate from a deep belief that the student relationship comes first. We strive to be the best and most reputable math tutoring centres in Saskatoon, with highly qualified instructors who are not only trained in our proven method of approaching instruction, but in how to assess, connect with and inspire our students. We offer convenient hours, easy to access sessions and guarantee that the comfort and safety of the families we work with is at the forefront of everything we do. All sessions are one on one and work on an individualized program generated from our intake assessment and goals we create with you and your child. Our philosophy is to promote personal interaction, celebrate successes and produce results. Mathnasium of Saskatoon instructors genuinely care about students and offer regular check ins and communication with parents to keep everyone on track. We’d love to tell you more about how Mathnasium is the best math tutoring centre to work with in the Saskatoon area. Contact us today to learn more.

Unknown's avatar Elise Rose 8:19 am on May 13, 2020
Tags: , Help, , ,   

Top 6 Tips To Help With Math Homework

If you’re a parent in Saskatoon struggling to help your child with math homework, you are not alone. Many parents find it challenging to help their children with homework for a variety of reasons. It could be that children are more distracted at home or less receptive to parental involvement. It could also be that the methods of teaching many math concepts has changed over the past several years and can be different in each school district. Whatever the reason, helping your child with homework can get easier using these tips.

Here are our top 6 tips to help with online math homework for families in Saskatoon:

  1. Talk to your child. Start an open dialogue on what the assignment is about, what their teacher has asked them to complete and what they need to do to get the work done. When you find the areas of difficulty, have your child walk through their process to figure out what part of the concept or assignment isn’t resonating. At this point, it is important to remind them it’s okay not to know the answers. You want your child to feel comfortable talking about their struggles and to reduce the embarrassment they may feel in not knowing what to do
  • Adopt a Growth Mindset. Help your child to process that difficulties understanding are a part of learning and that you are there to help them figure it out together. Show them how to keep calm and overcome frustrations when they arise. Praise the efforts they make to solve their own challenges but when they reach a frustration point, encourage them to ask for help. Providing strategies to deal with failure will allow them to feel empowered even when a situation is tough to get through
  • Look for “self-directed” solutions. Prompt your child with some questions to get them looking for solutions and guidance on their own. Try some of these:

-Where should they start?

-What notes could they use?

-Have they done work like this before?

-Could you look for examples online?

  • Make it FUN. Find ways to engage your child so they actually want to tackle their homework. Sometimes when their confidence is low, no amount of solution based direction will get them feeling motivated. When you hit a roadblock like that, try using creativity and games to draw them in. Talk about how math is used in daily life and try getting out of your regular homework setting. If you’re working on fractions or measurement, do some baking. If you’re working on measurement conversions, hit the grocery store or try measuring your home. Anything that gets them thinking about math in a real life way makes it more interesting and shows why math is such a critical skill to learn.
  • Ask guiding questions…. but don’t give the answers. Resist the urge to provide the answers or the solution on how to get to the answer. Ask questions that move them in the right direction and get them thinking about how to apply the strategies they have already learned.
  • Look for outside help. If you’ve spent some time working with your child, have tried creative ways to engage them and they are still not grasping the work, it may be time to seek outside math homework help from a tutor. A qualified local tutor can assess your child’s learning style, diagnose knowledge gaps and determine which strategies will help them best. Having a tutor to help get your child back on track is a great option and it also provides the bonus of an ongoing homework support when needed.

The most important thing you can do to help your child with math homework is to maintain a positive attitude towards seeking extra help and towards math in general. Model a growth mindset and a desire to help them succeed. Building confidence can take time, but if you work together, you will get there.

Mathnasium of Saskatoon was created with your child’s best interests in mind, so if you do need to seek more help with homework, we are here for you. Check out our website for more information on the unique ways that a Mathnasium of Saskatoon instructor can be your child’s best homework ally.

Unknown's avatar Elise Rose 4:12 am on May 2, 2020  

How to Get Maximum Results from your Math Tutor

Now that you’ve chosen online tutoring as the best option in Saskatoon to facilitate your child’s academic success, you’ve also chosen to commit the time and financial resources to make it happen. Tutoring represents a significant investment that should be maximized to get the best results, so selecting the right online math tutor from the beginning will set your child on the path to great results. To get maximum results, here are some things you should consider when choosing an online math tutor:

Qualifications, Experience & Successful Track Record – Tutors come from various backgrounds but they should always be upfront about their qualifications so you fully understand what qualifies them as a great tutor and how that lines up with your child’s needs. Past experience and a track record of success are also very important factors in determining the right online math tutor Saskatoon. Find out if previous students have met their learning goals and built positive habits from the tutoring experience

  • One on One Instruction – Studies show that direct instruction is the most effective way for a child to learn. While many schools are using other methods, an online math tutor will be most beneficial when they spend time instructing your child in a one on one setting
  • Student Led Approach – The tutor should embrace an approach that puts your child in the driver’s seat rather than providing them the answers. The goal is for your child to become independent with each concept and not to rely on the instructor. You’ll see this when the tutor asks great questions, lets the child get it wrong so they can learn from the mistake and when they don’t give them the answers
  • Understands your Child’s Needs, Learning Style & Goals – An intake assessment should be the first step for any online math tutor or math learning centre. Your child is an individual and the tutor should take the time to understand where your child needs support, how they learn and what goals they have. A personalized plan should be created using this detailed information so there are measurable and attainable goals for your child to achieve
  • Fits your Schedule & Budget – Be sure to have an upfront conversation about costs and scheduling. For tutoring to be successful, dedicated time is required each week so you’ll want to be careful to select a tutor or math learning centre that can accommodate the scheduling needs of your family and that it is sustainable in your budget

Once you’ve got a great online math tutor in place, there are some ways to work with the tutoring program and your child to ensure you’re getting maximum results. You’ve taken the time and effort to choose the best online math tutor in Saskatoon for your child’s learning style, needs and goals, now it’s time to maximize that investment!

  • Work with your child’s teacher to gain their buy-in
  • Let the tutor know what’s being taught in math so sessions can be aligned
  • Have your child discuss their homework to their sessions in case support is required to complete it
  • Reinforce good work habits such as a set work time & area, minimize distractions and provide strategies to find help when needed
  • Help your child to be on time and prepared for their sessions
  • Encourage practice and completion of all assignments from school and the tutor
  • Maintain a positive attitude and discuss growth mindset with your child if they hit roadblocks in their learning
  • Ensure there are consistent re-assessments of your child’s knowledge
  • Communicate regularly with the tutor on how things are progressing

Tutoring can provide invaluable skills, strengthen work habits and build confidence that will stay with your child long after the sessions are complete. It is an investment that benefits them in many more ways than just the initial need that caused you to seek outside support. In order to maximize the results from your online math tutor, we highly recommend using the tips shared above to select a great tutor, set the sessions up for success with teacher/parent/tutor alignment and to remain involved in the process.

A great way to make this much easier for you is to work with a reputable math learning centre like Mathnasium of Saskatoon. Mathnasium centres have well vetted instructors and guarantee a personalized student-led approach that is informed by an intake assessment and your child’s unique learning style, needs and goals. We offer flexible hours, affordable plans and a great environment that both stimulates and celebrates your child’s desire to be successful. Our instructors are connected to the curriculum and work closely with parents and the school community to ensure alignment that will maximize the results from the tutoring program. We’re here to work with your family and to give your child the gift of learning and confidence. Learn more about Mathnasium for families in Saskatoon on our website

Unknown's avatar Elise Rose 6:18 am on March 5, 2020
Tags: ,   

Finding A Skilled Tutor For Math Homework Help

Most students will struggle with math at some point in their school career and will need help with homework. Well intentioned parents will often attempt to provide support, but the way math is taught now is quite different from when they were in school. This clash of strategies, combined with the additional pressure many children feel when working with a parent, is often the primary reason to seek outside help from a qualified math tutor.

Finding a skilled and qualified tutor to help with math homework is an important process to ensure your child has a positive tutoring experience. A great experience will translate to improved attitudes towards math, while boosting learning and their overall confidence, so you’ll want to consider the following qualifications before making the commitment to work with a particular tutoring centre or instructor.

A cursory online search should provide you with some basic information to narrow your selections and rule out options that are not a good fit. There are 5 basic pieces of information you will want to consider.

  1. Referrals & Reviews – The first thing to look for is reviews and testimonials from current and past students and parents. Check out the feedback from others to help quickly identify any red flags or qualities that might not be a good fit for your child
  1. Credentials – Tutors come from various backgrounds but they should always be upfront about their credentials. What qualifies them as a great tutor and how does that line up with your child’s needs?
  1. Past Experience – Find out what experience the tutor has or what criteria a tutoring centre uses to screen instructors and ensure they are providing excellent learning opportunities for your child
  1. Successful Track Record – While qualifications and experience are important, a track record of success is the ultimate measure of a great tutor. Have their students shown development? Have their grades and attitudes towards math improved?

The tutoring option you are considering should be able to demonstrate their previous success

  1. Subject Matter Expertise – Every subject is different and taught in very different ways, especially math. Math understanding and application is critical to daily life and future academic success so be sure to choose a tutor who thoroughly understands the way students learn math

Once you’ve narrowed your search, it’s time to dig a bit deeper for further information on how a tutor will go about instructing your child. Every child and family is different but there are some key factors that are proven to increase the success of tutoring.

  1. One on One Instruction – Studies show that direct instruction is the most effective way for a child to learn. While many schools are using other methods, a tutor will be most beneficial when they spend time instructing your child in a one on one setting
  1. Student Led Approach – The tutor should embrace an approach that puts your child in the driver’s seat rather than providing them the answers. The goal is for your child to become independent with each concept and not to rely on the instructor. You’ll see this when the tutor asks great questions, lets the child get it wrong so they can learn from the mistake and when they don’t give them the answers
  1. Understands your Child’s Needs, Learning Style & Goals – An intake assessment should be the first step for any tutor or centre. Your child is an individual and the tutor should take the time to understand where your child needs support, how they learn and what goals they have. A plan should be created using this detailed information so there are measurable and attainable goals for your child to achieve
  1. Fits your Schedule – Be sure to have a conversation about scheduling. For tutoring to be successful, dedicated time is required each week so you’ll want to be careful to select a tutor or centre that can accommodate the scheduling needs of your family
  1. Fits your Budget – Similar to scheduling, ensuring the program you choose fits into your budget is also key for consistency and success. Make sure your choice is truly reflective of what your family can accommodate financially as well

Overall, the best advice we can provide on selecting a math tutor to help your child with learning gaps and homework support is to have a consultation that allows you to talk through your needs and find out if there is alignment with the approach and model of the centre and instructor.

Mathnasium uses an assessment process to determine what your child’s needs and learning style are. We set goals and work with your child to achieve them in a caring and engaging way that rewards their progress and lets the student lead the way. Our Centre offers affordable memberships and an open schedule to accommodate the needs of your family.

Mathnasium instructors are specially trained in our proven process that focuses solely on math skill development. We know it works and we look forward to providing results for your child. If you’re looking for a highly skilled tutor to help your child with math homework, Mathnasium is here for you. For more information on our success stories, check out our Results page here.

Unknown's avatar Elise Rose 9:19 am on February 21, 2020  

3 Common Pitfalls of Hiring a Tutor and How to Avoid Them

Hiring a tutor can feel daunting but there are ways to avoid the most common pitfalls parents experience when hiring a tutor for their child. Being prepared and knowing what your needs are before you start looking is a great first step. We also recommend doing your research and evaluating all options with the same lens prior to engaging with a tutor or tutoring centre. Before making a long term commitment, we also suggest having your child work with the tutor first so you can properly assess the compatibility and fit. By checking these boxes off, you are much more likely to have an excellent tutoring experience that is simple for you and effective for your child.

The most important part of any task is being prepared. Before you start looking for a tutor, you’ll want to ensure you know what your child needs help with, what your goals are working with the tutor and what resources your family can commit financially and within your regular schedule. Key points to consider as you get started on your tutor search are:

  • Get clarity from your child’s educators on where they need support – its helpful for the tutor to have some preliminary information
  • Decide with your child what goals you will work towards – they will be more likely to buy in if they share the goals
  • Set realistic expectations – progress takes time so keep your expectations small at first
  • Don’t hire solely based on cost – you get what you pay for so we suggest choosing your tutor based on the best option available within your budget
  • Choose one on one tutoring – individualized tutoring has been known to be much more effective and when you consider the cost of group sessions, it’s well worth the additional expense for significantly better results
  • Evaluate all tutors with the same criteria – Decide what options are important to your child and your family prior to starting your search so you are comparing each option with the same criteria
  • Set a budget – Know how much you can and are willing to spend on tutoring so you get the best option available without stretching your budget farther than you’re comfortable with
  • Discuss and acknowledge that you may have less time for other things – similar to the financial commitment, you’ll want to think ahead about the time impact on your family’s schedule. Consistency is key to success in a tutoring program so ensure the choice you make is a sustainable option
  • Prepare that your child may be frustrated at the obligation – many children will initially resent the idea of spending time with a tutor or will resist needing the support. Speak to the tutor about your child’s attitude coming in so they can plan ahead for it

Equally important to understanding your family’s needs and what you can commit to is ensuring you’ve done your research before meeting potential tutors. Make sure you know their location, hours, fees and who will be interacting with your child and how they are vetted. Tutoring centres will have qualification requirements, will have checked experience and references and will have safety policies in place. If you are hiring an individual tutor, you’ll want to ask for this information prior to meeting any of them. One critical thing to keep in mind is that qualifications do not always ensure a great instructor. You’ll want to put a strong emphasis on experience and a proven track record to get the best picture before making a selection.

Another valuable resource in selecting a tutor is your child. Have them work with the tutor and observe the one to one fit before making a commitment to stay with a specific tutor or service. Here are some important things to look for when assessing compatibility:

  • Temperaments are complimentary
  • Communication is easy
  • Attentiveness goes both ways
  • Teaching/Learning style works well together
  • Ability to make tutoring fun
  • Tutor has expertise in the subject your child needs support with

While all of these are critical to observe in the interactions between your child and the tutor to decide if it’s a good fit, nothing replaces feedback from your child. Whether direct or indirect (complaining, resistance, frustration), they will tell you if the match is not going to work for them. If you or your child feel the fit is not there, don’t be afraid to change if you need to. Tutoring is an important investment of time and money so you want to ensure you’re getting the best fit available based on your needs, goals and resources. Learning comes much easier when it feels effortless!