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New Year, New Goals: How to Improve the Math Skills of Every Child
January 3, 2025
As we enter a brand-new year, it’s the perfect time to set fresh goals. For parents of high schoolers, one goal stands out: helping your child become confident and skilled in math. But for many students, math can feel like a mountain too steep to climb—abstract, overwhelming, and often disconnected from their everyday lives.
At Roots to Routes Academy, we believe every child can master math with the right support, environment, and teaching. Let’s explore why math is such a vital skill, the barriers many students face, and how we’ve created a proven formula to help students succeed in math and beyond.
Why Math Skills Matter More Than Ever
Math isn’t just about numbers. It’s a foundational skill that strengthens critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities—skills that every student will need for success in school, college, and life.
Did you know?
- Students who perform well in high school math are 12% more likely to graduate from college.
- Careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are growing nearly twice as fast as other industries, paying 26% more than non-STEM jobs.
Math is the key to unlocking many opportunities. But for too many students, it feels like a locked door.
The Challenges Students Face with Math
Many students struggle with math, not because they aren’t capable, but because they don’t have the right tools or support. Here’s what often holds them back:
- Fear of Failure: Traditional classrooms can make students feel embarrassed to ask questions or admit they don’t understand.
- One-Size-Fits-All Teaching: Everyone learns differently, but most schools don’t have the resources to personalize math instruction.
- Cultural Disconnect: For black students, a lack of representation in the curriculum can make math feel irrelevant or uninspiring.
- Lost Confidence: Each missed concept compounds over time, making students feel they’ll never catch up.
Roots to Routes Academy was created to tackle these challenges head-on, ensuring that no student is left behind.
The Roots to Routes Formula for Math Success
At Roots to Routes Academy, we’re more than a learning center. We’re a community where students feel safe, supported, and seen. Our formula for success is simple yet powerful:
1. Personalized Learning Plans
We start by understanding where your child is in their math journey—what they know, what they struggle with, and how they learn best. Then, we create a custom plan that meets them where they are and helps them grow at their own pace.
2. Cultural Relevance
Our curriculum, created by black educators, connects math to the real world and to students’ identities. From budgeting for a family reunion to analyzing data on social issues, we show how math matters in their lives.
3. Confidence-Building Environment
At Roots to Routes, mistakes are not failures—they’re stepping stones. We create a judgment-free space where students can ask questions, try new strategies, and build confidence.
4. Practical Applications
Math becomes exciting when it’s practical. Our lessons connect math concepts to real-world problems, helping students see the “why” behind the numbers.
Proof That It Works:
Over 80% of our students report feeling more confident in math within their first three months. Parents say they’ve seen dramatic improvements in their children’s grades and attitudes toward learning.
What You Can Do to Help Your Child Succeed in Math
You don’t have to be a math expert to support your child. Here are some simple, effective strategies to make math less intimidating and more engaging:
- Turn Everyday Moments into Math Lessons
- Have your child calculate discounts while shopping.
- Teach them to double a recipe’s ingredients while cooking.
- Use road trips to practice distances and speeds.
- Encourage a Growth Mindset
Remind your child that math isn’t about being “good” or “bad.” It’s a skill they can improve with practice and the right help. - Celebrate Progress
Recognize small wins—like mastering fractions or solving a tricky problem. Every step forward builds confidence. - Invest in Expert Support If math feels overwhelming for your child, professional help can make a huge difference. Programs like Roots to Routes Academy are designed to provide the personalized attention and encouragement your child needs to thrive.
The Time to Act Is Now
Math success doesn’t happen overnight, but every day counts. Imagine where your child could be a year from now—confident in their skills, proud of their progress, and ready to take on any challenge.
Don’t let your child fall further behind or miss out on the opportunities that math mastery can provide. Enroll them in Roots to Routes Academy today and give them the tools they need to succeed—not just in school, but in life.
Join Roots to Routes Academy Today!
At Roots to Routes Academy, we’re changing the way students experience math. With personalized plans, a culturally relevant curriculum, and a supportive environment, we’ve helped countless students turn frustration into confidence.
Don’t wait—spots are filling fast!
Visit www.rootstoroutes.ca to learn more or schedule a consultation. Make 2025 the year your child discovers the power of math.
By blending personalized teaching, cultural relevance, and practical strategies, Roots to Routes Academy isn’t just improving math skills—we’re transforming lives. Together, let’s make this New Year the start of something extraordinary for your child.
