| Ever wonder how you could get your child the | | | | ways. The first is to USE the software. |
| help he needs in math? The answer you maybe | | | | I've heard countless parents complain that a |
| looking for is math tutor software. Such | | | | new such-and-such package goes completely |
| software allows your child to learn at his or | | | | unused. Sit down with your child and make a |
| her own pace, review topics he may need to | | | | specific, realizable schedule. Rather than |
| reinforce, and do all of this in the comfort | | | | tell your child "use this math tutor |
| of your home. Tutoring software of all kinds | | | | software," and expect him to run off and |
| is available. Some are more general and | | | | become a math wizard, take the time to help |
| focus on grade level, and other software is | | | | him use it. Then, once he gets going and |
| more specific and focus on a single subject, | | | | learns to use the software, put aside a set |
| such as algebra. Whatever the software, it | | | | amount of time (one hour is usually good) for |
| is sure to help your child learn math. | | | | your child to use the software on his own. A |
| | | | time limit will prevent him from rushing |
| As your child tries math tutor software for | | | | through. |
| the first time, he may review some topics | | | | |
| that he already feels he knows. Though he | | | | Another tool that comes with most math tutor |
| may be tempted to skip such sections, it is | | | | software is the games. Kids love games, and |
| best that he follow the software and re-learn | | | | they will get more practice on the subject |
| those topics. Often times, it is a | | | | matter the more time they spend with the |
| misunderstanding of the basics that causes | | | | software. By playing with games on the |
| problems down the line. It is important to | | | | software, he may learn more without even |
| pinpoint the problem areas as soon as | | | | realizing it. But, it is important to |
| possible. Math tutor software may be better | | | | remember that the games should only |
| the child's teacher in this respect, because | | | | supplement experience, not dominate it. The |
| the teacher does not have the time to review | | | | bulk of the software should be devoted to |
| all previous topics with the child to | | | | learning problem solving skills--learning the |
| pinpoint the origin of misunderstanding, | | | | fundamentals step by step until they are |
| whereas the software does. As a child uses | | | | understood. |
| the software, he will gain a better | | | | |
| understanding of the subject through learning | | | | So, as you can see there are definite gains |
| to soft problems step by step (answers are | | | | to be had from math tutor software. They |
| usually explained step by step) and by | | | | teach material a child may have had trouble |
| repetition. Since most math tutor software | | | | learning in class, they reinforce subject |
| titles are loaded with extra problems, he | | | | matter through repetition, and they make |
| will have the opportunity to practice more. | | | | learning fun for the student. I hope you and |
| | | | your child enjoy using computer software to |
| So, how can your child get the most of the | | | | help you learn more about math. |
| tutoring software? There are a couple of | | | | |