How To Help Your 7th Grader Succeed In Math
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Junior high is a big change for many students academically, especially in math. In 7th grade math, students transition from covering arithmetic to more abstract concepts and subjects, such as algebra, physics, and geometry.
This change can be difficult to navigate, especially for students who previously did really well in math but are now facing challenges with new topics and materials. It’s common for some students to lose some confidence and motivation as a result. To help you get your child back on track, here are some strategies that you can apply at home to provide them with 7th grade math help.
What Subjects Are Covered in 7th Grade Math?
In general, students at the 7th grade level can expect to study these math skills throughout the year:
- The number system: Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals, fractions, and rational numbers (both positive and negative numbers)
- Expressions and equations: Using variables to solve two-step problems using algebra, including using the distributive property and linear expressions
- Geometry: Finding the area and volume of 2D and 3D shapes and describing properties of shapes
- Statistics and probability: Drawing inferences about a population and making comparisons of populations
- Ratios and proportions: Using proportions to solve real-world problems
Take some time to review your child’s curriculum, especially when they start learning new math concepts or begin a new unit in the classroom. This way, you can start to identify areas where they are doing well and others that are more challenging.
Tip: Use school resources or online practice guides as a reference if your child doesn’t have a syllabus with all the concepts available throughout the school year.
Create a Positive Math Mindset at Home
Doing math homework usually isn’t something most 7th graders look forward to, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Start by creating a positive study environment at home. This is a designated area for homework and studying that should be cozy and inviting, but still structured enough for schoolwork. Get your child involved by letting them personalize it a bit. Keep in mind that this space should be a public place, like in the kitchen or dining room, and not your child's bedroom.
Set a schedule for homework. While every day might not look the same, pick a timetable that works for your family and try to stick to it, as this will help to build good study skills. Your child will soon make it a routine to study at the same time, so doing homework or studying shouldn't become something to get anxious or fight about.
Identify Learning Gaps Early
If you want to know how to help a 7th grader with math, one of the keys is helping to identify weak areas early. Once you notice your child is struggling, see if you can review their homework and tests and go back to the point where their skills and grades were most stable. That’s the starting point for recovering any skills that might not have been mastered moving forward. Early intervention is one of the best ways to help your student recover any missing skills and get back to where they need to be.
Encourage Consistent Practice and Study Habits
Once your student has their homework schedule and study plan, be consistent with it. While they do homework or study for tests, be sure to give them structured breaks so that they don’t lose enthusiasm or momentum. This can help to prevent breakdowns or frustration that then make it harder to get homework or studying done. Taking a break every 30 or 60 minutes can let them refresh and recharge before another round of focusing and concentration.
You don’t have to hover over your child, but check in with them to see how they’re doing now and then. It’s their homework, not yours, but let them know that you’re available in case they get stuck and need some help.
Use a Variety of Learning To Make Math Relatable
Try to incorporate math into real-world activities around your home to show your child how useful and applicable it is. This could be using numbers and math formulas in baking, making a budget for a project, or figuring out sports stats. Beyond that, you can encourage your child to find fun games or apps that integrate math concepts or problem-solving. Bonus points if you can get the whole family in on the fun!
Take Advantage of Different Learning Methods
Education experts today know that there are many different learning styles, so a variety of methods have been developed to cater to them. Some are visual learners, others need to learn by doing something hands-on. Discover your child’s preferred learning method, and help them apply different learning methods at home during study time. It might take some exploration, but finding the right learning method can be highly beneficial.
Consider Personalized Tutoring for Extra Support
One sure way to reinforce your child’s math skills is with a specialized math tutor. These education professionals are well-versed in all things math and give personalized attention to each student, which helps to create a study plan that actually works.
A math tutor can explore different learning methods and styles with your child while assessing what their strengths and areas of improvement are. Not only that, a tutor can get to know your child and discover more about their interests, which helps them find new activities and methods that bring fun and excitement to study sessions.
Ready To Help Your 7th Grader Excel in Math?
Our math and physics tutors at Alexander Tutoring have a love for the subjects they teach. More than that, they love to see each student each their academic goals and hit learning milestones along the way. We give individual attention to each student to make sure they have success in math that inspires self-confidence and achievement.
To learn more, reach out to Alexander Tutoring today and book your free trial lesson and evaluation. We're here to help your 7th grader overcome their struggles in math and get on the path to academic success!
