As parents, we all want our children to succeed in school, and math is one subject that often poses the most significant challenge. It’s a subject that builds on itself—each new concept relies on a solid understanding of what came before.
But what happens when a child misses a step? These missed steps, or learning gaps, can create a shaky foundation that makes math increasingly difficult and frustrating for your child.
In this article, we’ll explore ways to identify learning gaps and how a tailored approach can help your child overcome them.
Understanding Learning Gaps
What Are Learning Gaps?
Let’s start by looking at what a learning gap is. Imagine your child is building a tower out of blocks. If they miss placing a few blocks in the lower layers, the tower might still stand, but it’ll be wobbly and unstable.
A learning gap is like those missing blocks in education, especially in a subject like math.
It’s the difference between what your child is expected to know at a certain point and what they understand.
These gaps can happen for all sorts of reasons—maybe they missed a key lesson or are just struggling with a particular concept.
How Do Learning Gaps Happen?
Learning gaps don’t happen overnight; they develop over time.
Often, it starts with something small. For example, perhaps a child has trouble understanding multiplication. Then, as they move on to more complex topics like algebra, the problem grows bigger.
Left unchecked, this can lead to frustration and perhaps even aversion due to negative experiences with the subject.
While educators can somewhat mitigate this, it isn’t always possible.
In the classroom, where teachers are a) under pressure to keep moving forward with the curriculum and b) have to contend with upwards of 30 students, it’s easy for a struggling child to be overlooked.
Why It’s Important to Catch Them Early
All of these are why catching learning gaps early is critical in a child’s development. The faster learning gaps are identified, the sooner corrective action can be taken to help a child catch up.
Math requires students to have a solid understanding of the basics. So, if a child is having trouble with something basic, like addition or subtraction, it will make everything that comes after much harder.
Signs Your Child May be Struggling
As parents, it can be challenging to know exactly where your child is struggling, especially if they’re not always vocal about their difficulties. But some common signs might indicate your child has a learning gap in math:
Dropping Grades: A sudden drop in math grades is one of the surest signs that your child could be having an issue with the subject. For example, if your child used to do well in math but is now bringing home lower grades, you may look into the reason for this change.
Frustration or Anxiety: Math can sometimes be challenging, but if your child regularly gets upset, anxious, or frustrated when faced with math s problems, it might be because they feel overwhelmed by a lack of understanding. This emotional response is a strong indicator that they’re dealing with a learning gap.
Taking Longer to Complete Work: If your child takes a lot longer than usual to complete math s assignments or tests, it could be because they’re unsure of how to solve the problems. This extra time might be spent trying to figure out the basics, which should ideally be second nature by now.
Reliance on Memorisation: While it’s normal for students to memorise certain math facts or procedures, if your child is leaning too heavily on memorisation without really understanding the underlying concepts, it could be a sign of trouble. For example, they might know the steps to solve an equation by heart but struggle to explain why those steps work.
Difficulty With Word Problems: If your child can do straightforward calculations but struggles to solve word problems, it might be because they don’t fully understand how to apply the concepts they’ve learned.
The Benefits of Customised Learning Plans
When it comes to your child’s education, one size does not fit all. Every child has their own unique way of learning, and a customised learning plan can make all the difference in how they experience and succeed in math. Here are some key benefits of tailoring a learning plan specifically to your child’s needs:
1. Tailored to Individual Needs
Every child is unique, and so are their learning needs. A customised learning plan focuses on your child’s strengths and weaknesses, ensuring they get the support they need. Whether they need extra practice with fractions or a deeper dive into algebra, the plan adapts to meet them where they are.
2. Builds Confidence
Children often feel more understood and supported when a learning plan is designed just for them. Their confidence grows as they start to grasp concepts they previously found difficult. This boost in confidence can make a huge difference in how they approach math and other subjects.
3. Flexible Learning Pace
With a customised plan, your child can learn at their own pace without the pressure of keeping up with the rest of the class. They can take it if they need more time on a particular topic. And if they’re ready to move ahead, they can do that too. This flexibility helps reduce frustration and keeps them engaged.
4. Focuses on Foundational Skills
A solid understanding of the basics is crucial in math. Customised learning plans often emphasise strengthening foundational skills, making sure that gaps are filled before moving on to more complex topics. This ensures that your child has the strong base they need to succeed in more advanced math.
5. Encourages a Positive Attitude Towards Learning
Children are more likely to enjoy learning when it is tailored to their needs. A customised plan can make math s feel less like a chore and more like a challenge they can tackle. Over time, this positive experience can change their overall attitude towards learning, making them more open and eager to take on new subjects.
By recognising the signs of learning gaps early and addressing them with a customised learning plan, you can help your child regain their footing and build a strong foundation for future success.
Learn more about Oodles Learning’s offerings here.
