Fall 2024 Accepting New Students!

Wow the summer flew by fast! Fall is here and I'm looking forward to helping students succeed with their math again this year.  Many of my students have been with me for years but some have now graduated thus opening up spots for new students.  I have been tutoring for many years and I'm still amazed by the transformation students often undergo with tutoring.  

Here is a typical scenario...A student comes to me because they somehow have fallen behind.  Maybe it is from transferring from a different school district, or they never really grasped some of the previous concepts, or they missed a lot of school from a sickness, but something has them feeling overwhelmed, confused, or lost.  I've been there before too...you feel like maybe you walked into the wrong classroom or even the wrong school by mistake...it's as if a different language is suddenly being spoken - "Math Latin."  

Our first order of business is to quickly get the student up to speed with the current material.  Inevitably, while doing so, deficiencies start showing themselves from previous math classes so these need to be addressed as they appear.  Then, once we have made some headway into the current topics we need to get ahead of the constant playing "catch up."  We need to get just a little bit ahead of what is coming next in the chapter.  This is a game changer.  Now students start to feel a comfort and confidence inside themselves as THEY are now the ones answering questions in class, helping classmates, and getting A's on surprise pop quizzes.

Next, the tightness in the neck, shoulders, and stomach lessen and a comfort and relaxation start to arise with more frequent smiles being seen. And now with this deeper relaxation and confidence learning itself actually becomes easier.   Something has been unlocked, the ship has been turned, and a paradigm shift has occurred. 

The student now sees themselves in a different way - as capable of learning and achieving. 

Now, before I make this post start sounding like all mythical rainbows and unicorns (although I have seen the above scenario play out too many times to count) there are some things that prevent the desired outcomes, so let's quickly go through some of them (ones I've witnessed).

Number one, it's not actually a "math" problem.  Sometimes students are going through difficult personal situations.  Maybe their parents just got divorced or are going through a divorce, loss of a friend or loved one, or the dreaded bullying.  If you, as a parent, suspect it is more than a math problem get some counseling for your child, either free counseling through the school or outside of school.  

Number two, it is a math problem and it could be that a student is in too advanced of a math class.  If they are in honors/advanced and feeling over their head maybe they should consider switching to the regular level.  If they are in a regular level they may need to go to a remedial level or some classes are split into two parts A and B so the material can be covered more slowly.  

Number three, it's a more general unaddressed or undiagnosed learning challenge such as dyslexia or dyscalculia. Or even a need for eyeglasses or hearing aids if students cannot see the board clearly or hear the instructor.

Number four, maybe your student isn't interested in a traditional academic college prep track (and that is completely ok and good too). Check out alternative programs available to learn a trade/skill. 

At the end of the day, yes I would like to help your student succeed with their math, but more importantly I would like to see them succeed in their life. Let me know if I can answer any questions or if I can be of any tutoring assistance. Call or text me anytime..even right now  (248-219-8591) or reach out through my website at www.mariosmathtutoring.com