Links to Cool Math Stuff
Essential Math Tools & Materials
Math is much simpler when the tools you need are handy. Having a 'Math Box' with necessary supplies saves time and frustration. You might not need them all the time, but when you do, it's great to have them nearby. These should include pencils, eraser, pens with colored ink, highlighter, colored pencils, a pencil sharpener, scissors, glue stick, tape, ruler, protractor, compass, whiteout, calculator, and graph paper.
Homework Help and Test Prep
Math Tutoring
I have taught math in some form or another and developed math curriculum, in levels from Kindergarten to Adult, from elementary math through precalculus, since 1976. I retired from classroom teaching in 2016 and now tutor privately from my home and online. I help my students understand concepts, master skills, learn to organize their work, prepare for tests, complete homework assignments, and become confident, efficient learners. Math isn't that hard, but it takes practice just like anything worth doing. Common Core is the newest way to teach concepts, but it is not unique. Those of us who studied math in the SMSG (School Mathematics Study Group) experienced one of the early attempts to teach concepts in a new way. Parents and teachers struggled with the "New Math" back then just as they struggle with Common Core today. But the mathematics is the same. The concepts are the same. What does change are the mathematical models used to make concepts more concrete. And that's OK. It simply means that we have more ways to help kids understand math. What works for one may not work for another. It's all good in the end.
My promise is to help you find ways that work best for you, to help you understand the methods and models you are asked to use to show your teachers that you understand, and to help you do the best you possibly can. What I ask from you is that you try, do your best work, and put in the time and effort. You can succeed.
Thank you for your interest.
Remediation and Mastery
I believe that there are four parts to learning and mastering math.
- Concepts and Skills: Understand concepts, properties, rules, and vocabulary and practice the skills needed to become mathematically fluent.
- Accuracy, Organization, and Efficiency: Develop methods for organizing work and strategies to become an accurate and efficient problem solver.
- Study Skills: Develop effective ways to study for tests and quizzes and to learn and review new material.
- Errors and Gaps: Identify and learn from errors and bridge gaps in understanding. I can provide specific instruction and extra practice targeted to build understanding and awareness.
Homework Help and Test Prep
Students get the most out of tutoring by coming prepared with questions, assignments, notes, and worksheets the teacher has given. Keeping a log of questions (page #, problem # or topic) and bringing quizzes and tests to go over helps you learn from mistakes and identifies areas that may become gaps in understanding if not addressed. Know the current assignment and know what make up work is needed. This saves time and help us focus. If you are preparing for a standardized test such as the ASVAAB or CSET or SAT, find a test prep book. Start taking practice tests to identify areas you need help with. We will target those areas first and explore ways to efficiently take tests.
Enrichment and Acceleration
I am happy to help students achieve their goals to the best of their ability. Some students want to enrich their knowledge with problem-solving, in-depth exploration of math topics. I help students improve in competitions such as Math Olympiads and provide challenging problems for them to explore. Some students want to accelerate their math education and challenge a course to give them more opportunities for advanced math classes in the future. I can help students study independently and prepare for a challenge examination. What matters most is that the students desire to excel and are able to put in the extra study time and practice in order to master the concepts and skills needed to advance.