5 Essential Soft Skills Every High School Student Should Develop for Future Success
Academic Tips and Resources
The Ultimate Math Toolkit Every High School Student Must Have
December 8, 2024
Math can feel like climbing a mountain—challenging, but with the right tools, every student can reach the summit. At Roots to Routes Academy, we understand that math isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building confidence, sharpening problem-solving skills, and preparing for the future. For students in grades 9-11, having the right resources can make all the difference between struggling and thriving.
This article is your guide to building the ultimate math toolkit—packed with the best calculators, apps, and study strategies to help high school students conquer math with ease and confidence. And if you’re looking for a place where students can grow while celebrating their identity, Roots to Routes Academy is here to make that journey even more empowering.
Why the Right Tools Matter
Did you know that over 60% of students struggle with math anxiety? This means many students feel overwhelmed or unprepared when tackling math problems. The truth is, math becomes a lot easier when you have the right support and tools.
At Roots to Routes Academy, we know that black students, in particular, face unique challenges in traditional schools. Often, the lack of representation in math materials and teaching methods makes it harder to feel connected and confident. That’s why we’ve created a safe, supportive space where students learn math using culturally relevant examples, personalized teaching, and the best resources available.
With the right tools in their hands, students can:
- Solve problems faster and more accurately.
- Understand concepts deeply instead of just memorizing formulas.
- Feel confident when tackling tests and real-world math challenges.
Essential Tools for Math Success
Here’s a breakdown of the tools every high school student needs to master math from Algebra to Geometry—and beyond.
1. Calculators: Your Math Powerhouse
Graphing Calculators
For high school math courses like Algebra II and Precalculus, a graphing calculator is a must. These devices help students visualize complex equations, plot graphs, and solve tricky problems in seconds.
- Recommended: Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE or Casio fx-9750GII.
- Why? Both models are student-friendly and approved for major exams like the SAT and ACT.
Scientific Calculators
These are perfect for solving equations, calculating square roots, and managing trigonometry.
- Recommended: Casio fx-991EX or Sharp EL-W516TBSL.
- Fun Fact: A good scientific calculator can last through high school and even college!
2. Mobile Apps and Online Tools
Smartphones and tablets aren’t just for social media—they can be math lifesavers.
Problem-Solving Apps
- Photomath: Take a picture of a math problem, and this app breaks it down step-by-step.
- Desmos: A free graphing calculator app that’s fun and interactive.
Study Helpers
Khan Academy is a powerful tool our school uses to help students build autonomy in their learning. The platform provides a detailed snapshot of homework completion, highlighting which questions students got wrong during practice. The best feature? If a student doesn’t understand a question, they can view a step-by-step solution and watch an explanatory video to deepen their understanding.
Another fantastic resource is My Study Life, which is especially helpful for students preparing for culminating activities and exams. This app supports effective time management by incorporating the Pomodoro technique, allowing students to study in focused 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. This method promotes productivity and helps students stay on track!
Collaborative Learning Tools
Quizlet and Brainscape are excellent tools for studying mathematical terminology and processes, whether independently or with others. Families can even gamify the learning process by using flashcards—either physical or digital—to challenge students to guess the answers. This interactive approach is particularly effective for students who thrive in social learning environments.
At Roots to Routes Academy, we take a personalized approach by offering study groups and one-on-one study sessions. Each student begins with a quiz to identify their unique study style. With this insight, they collaborate with a teacher and classmates to create a customized study
3. Study Guides and Reference Materials
Top Picks for Students
Jensen Math is an excellent resource offering extra worksheets, solutions, and videos to help students deepen their understanding of math topics. Organized by specific units aligned with the Ontario curriculum, this website is a valuable study tool for both teachers and students.
For students seeking additional practice questions, BHN Math and Kuta Software are two fantastic options. Both platforms provide a wide range of worksheets, enabling students to test and refine their knowledge.At Roots to Routes Academy, we emphasize that confidence is competence. Consistent practice helps students build both their skills and their belief in their math abilities!
- Websites: Jensen Math is a great resource for test prep.
- Worksheets: BHN Math and KUTA Software helps students to build their math confidence through repetition.
Roots to Routes Academy Resources
Our academy provides customized math practice sheets, and online modules designed to reflect the contributions of black mathematicians and engineers. These materials are created with our students in mind, ensuring they see themselves represented in the math they learn.
Study Strategies to Maximize These Tools
Even with the best tools, success comes from using them wisely. Here’s how students can get the most out of their toolkit:
- Organize Your Schedule: Use apps like My Study Life to plan weekly study sessions. Prioritize tough topics first.
- Practice Daily: Consistency is key. Spending just 15 minutes a day on math can improve understanding and retention.
- Break It Down: For tough problems, break them into smaller steps. Tools like Photomath can help show how it’s done.
Study Together: Join group study sessions or collaborate with classmates using apps like StudyBuddy. Roots to Routes offers group learning opportunities to make studying fun and effective.
The Roots to Routes Advantage
At Roots to Routes Academy, we’re more than just an educational program—we’re a community. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Culturally Relevant Teaching: Our lessons include examples that resonate with our students’ identities and heritage.
- Personalized Support: Small class sizes and one-on-one coaching mean every student gets the attention they deserve.
- Proven Success: Students who use our math toolkit and strategies show over 25% improvement in grades within the first term.
Imagine your child feeling confident in math, raising their hand in class without hesitation, and excelling in exams. That’s what we make possible.
Don’t Miss Out—Join the Roots to Routes Family
Success in math opens doors to careers in science, technology, engineering, and more. Give your child the tools they need to succeed—tools tailored to their unique strengths and aspirations.
At Roots to Routes Academy, we’re ready to help your child conquer math and unlock their full potential. Enrol now and see the difference a supportive, empowering community can make.
Visit Roots to Routes Academy today to get started.
Math success isn’t just about hard work—it’s about having the right tools, strategies, and support. Let’s give our students the future they deserve.
