Maybe your student struggles with multi-digit addition or multiplication. Maybe it’s division that’s got them hung up. Or perhaps, it’s subtraction with (gasp!) regrouping. In all likelihood all of these struggles can be boiled down to one issue:

Place value.

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This is a guest post from Danielle at Blessedly Busy.

Place value is the foundation for our number system. All operations (multiplication, addition, etc…) build on top of it.

We don’t want our math house to have a weak foundation and risk it coming down on us when we get to a tricky math concept. We want a firm foundation. So what does a solid foundation look like?

What Students Need to Know:

Place value is understanding how much a digit is worth. The value changes depending on its position in a number.

For the number 983, the 9 really means 900. In 91, the 9 means 90.

Our system is really efficient, but it can be confusing for students first learning.

There are also concepts that support an understanding of place value.

I looked at all of the Common Core Standards for grades K-5th. There are 5 big concepts students learn that support place value: Counting, reading and writing numbers, comparing numbers, understanding multiples of 10 and rounding.

Here is a brief list to give you an idea what a firm foundation looks like:

• Count by 1’s, 2’s, 5’s, 10’s, and 100’s up to 1000.
• Read and write numbers as: a numeral, written word and expanded form (it’s also useful to use base ten blocks)
• Compare numbers using <,> or =
• Understand that our system is a base 10 system. To move place values, multiply or divide by 10.
• Round to the nearest 10 or 100

Why Place Value Matters–The Tale of a Struggling Math Student

Charles is in 5th grade. Next year, he will be in middle school. He’s very excited about moving on to middle school next year, but there’s a problem.

He hates math!

He is terrible at it (so he believes). It started around 2nd grade, double digit addition. He dutifully wrote his numbers vertically and added down the columns. 23 + 34 is 57. Easy. He didn’t know why he had to line them up the way he did, but it worked so he didn’t worry about it.

Then he gets to the problem 55+36. His answer 811. Why is this wrong? He did what he always did, add down the columns.

Next comes subtraction. 55-36=21. Apparently you are supposed to borrow. What’s borrowing? The teacher explains it again, for what feels like the 50th time. He can solve the problem, most of the time. Again, he is just following steps, he doesn’t know why they work.

Now he is being introduced to multiplication. At first it’s easy. Memorizing things has always been easy for Charles. And now, we are into double digit multiplication. After many explanations and many failed attempts he finally has all of the steps memorized. He is starting to think that math is not really his thing and maybe he is stupid at math or maybe just stupid.

And now, the nail on the coffin, division. Multi-digit division. There’s no way! He gives up.

Hope For the Struggling Math Student

Charles’ story is sad. The saddest part is that all of his struggles could have been avoided if he understood place value and was able to use that knowledge to solve problems.

If your student is struggling in operations (addition, subtraction, etc…) I encourage you to start over and make sure their foundation is firm. Even if they are in 5th grade.

You can also find lessons that show students how to solve problems using place value. Like this post on multi-digit multiplication, for example.

For more ideas on how to teach place value visit: 100 Activities, Games, and Lessons to Teach Place Value to the Elementary Student.

More FREE Place Value Resources:

• Place value puzzles
• Build a Snowman place value activity
• “Sir Cumference” place value board game
• Equal or not equal place value sort
• Books to teach and explore place value and large numbers

Danielle is a homeschooling mamma of 5.  She is committed to making life with young children easier and sharing her passion for math.  If you would like to learn more about teaching math to multiple age groups visit Blessedly Busy or follow her on:  Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest  or Twitter.

The post How to Build a Solid Mathematics Foundation appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

*Please Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure here.*

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Math Tutor:

Before I share some places to find the right tutor, I want to help you think through some important considerations.

1. Does your child need to work with someone in person or could they work online?
2. What is your budget?
3. How often do they need to meet with a tutor? (This may change your budget)
4. Are there free options to try before paying someone?

Be sure to do your research here, as there may be places to go that are free. For example, your child’s teacher likely has days they are available for extra help. Find out when it is and make sure your child is there that day.

You can also ask your local libraries, community centers or churches if they have any tutoring programs. Often there are weekly programs happening if you can find out where they are.

Another option might be at local universities or a community college, especially if your child is in high school. Ask around and see if there are any programs available. When I was in college, a group of future teacher friends and I organized a weekly tutor time on Saturdays for local high school students to help them prepare for standardized tests and SATs.

If you’ve looked for free programs and can’t find anything, or it doesn’t seem to be enough help for your child, here are some other options for math tutoring.

While there are lots of websites that offer lessons or videos to teach math concepts, often what kids really need is a person who can meet them where they are and help answer their specific questions, so here are some ideas to help you find what you need.

How to Find a Math Tutor:

1. Word of Mouth:

This may seem obvious, but the first place I would start would be by asking friends whose kids are a similar age. If there are other kids who have a tutor they love, you can ask important questions such as, “How available are they?” “How much do they charge?” or “How hands-on and involved are they?”

It may turn out that they’re not a good fit for your child, but at least you can figure that out before you spend time and money meeting with them.

2. Check Library or Community Center Bulletin Boards:

Even if local libraries, community centers or churches do not offer after school tutoring programs, they likely have community boards where tutors may post information. Check around and see if you can get a few names of people to call.

3. Ask Your Child’s Teacher or School Counselor

Even if your child’s teacher can’t offer additional one-on-one time, they probably know someone who can. Many tutors work closely with schools and teachers and may even meet at the school, so if they’re around, teachers know who they are. In addition, if there are other students in the class who already have a tutor, the teacher probably knows and can get you in touch with them.

If you homeschool, you can still go to the local schools and ask the office secretaries or guidance counselors for recommendations. Often there will be a list floating around of phone numbers, or they know of students who have had success with certain math tutors, so they may be able to offer some good suggestions as well.

4. Find a Tutor on Wyzant.com

If you’re still having trouble finding a private tutor, you may want to use the site Wyzant.com. This site is unique in that it simply works to connect students with local tutors (similar to Care.com). Your child would still meet with a tutor in person, you would simply find a tutor, pay, and set up meeting times through Wyzant.

This is a great option, but may be difficult if you live in a small town or remote area because you may not be able to find a tutor close enough to you.

If you’d like to try Wyzant, you can get $20 in free tutoring with the code TAKE20.

Or click here to redeem your coupon for $20 in free tutoring!

5. Use an Online Tutoring Service like Thinkster Math

If you can’t seem to find a math tutor who can meet in person, or your schedule simply does not allow it, there are ways to get individualized help online. There are countless options, but I recommend starting with Thinkster Math.

This program combines online practice and games with personalized attention and help from an online tutor. Kids receive feedback on the work they’re doing and can also receive one-on-one tutoring sessions to discuss specific topics or homework assignments with their tutors each week.

This is the best of both worlds: online practice + personalized help.

If you’d like to try out Thinkster, you can begin with a FREE 7-Day trial!

Try Thinkster Math Today with a 7-Day Free Trial!

I hope you’ve found this list of ideas helpful as you seek to find the right person or option for your child.

What are your tips for how to find a math tutor? If you have any other recommendations for finding math tutors or online sites, share in the comments!

And if you’d like to feel more confident helping your child with math, here are some tips and encouragement!

The post How to Find a Math Tutor for Your Child appeared first on Math Geek Mama.