As the new school year approaches, it’s crucial to help your child feel confident and prepared, especially in math. In the weeks leading up to school, integrating math into daily routines, reviewing previous concepts, and introducing new challenges can significantly reinforce your child’s math skills. Whether your child is in early childhood, elementary, or middle school, these tailored strategies will ensure a smooth transition into the new school year with a strong math foundation.

Early Childhood + Lower Elementary (PreK-Grade 2)

1. Incorporate Math into Daily Activities

As school nears, blend math into daily tasks like counting objects, sorting toys, and playing simple addition or subtraction games. Use interactive math games and educational puzzles to make learning both engaging and enjoyable.

2. Foster Engaging Interactions

Create opportunities for your child to engage in classroom-like experiences, such as presenting math ideas or exploring concepts through games. This approach helps them stay focused, build confidence, and actively participate in their learning.

3. Read Math-Related Books

Choose storybooks that integrate counting, shapes, or basic math concepts to introduce and reinforce mathematical ideas in a fun and relatable way.

4. Introduce Competition Enlightenment

Challenge your child with stimulating math problems that develop their number sense. This practice encourages critical thinking, connection-making, and systematic reasoning, and helps prepare them for math competitions such as Math Kangaroo.

Here’s How Think Academy Can Help: To kick off the new school year with confidence, we’re offering $1 online trial math lessons tailored for each grade for the Fall semester. Our enthusiastic math teachers bring math to life with engaging and creative content designed to spark curiosity, inspire, and prepare young learners.

Grade	Topics Covered in the Trial Lessons
PreK-4	Getting to Know the Circles and Squares – Learn the definition of circle and square shapes. – Identify the shapes of objects in a real-life setting.
K	Compare and List in Order – Use “Unit One” to measure and compare the length. – Use elimination to complete logical reasoning.
G1	More or Fewer Word Problems – Use addition to find the more. – Use subtraction to find the fewer. – Try out Math Kangaroo 4-pointers under the topic.
G2	Backward Word Problems – Challenge yourself to think logically in reverse. Flexibly apply knowledge of “addition” and “halves.” – Enhance skills in reading and understanding complex word problems. – Cultivate the habit of drawing pictures to visualize information.

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Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5)

1. Set Up a Math Review Routine

In the weeks before school starts, create a daily math review schedule. Use past notes, practice worksheets, or online resources to reinforce previously learned concepts and track progress, ensuring a smooth transition.

2. Enhance Arithmetic Operations

Focus on reinforcing number operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division through flashcards or online drills. Complement this with mental math practice, including quick calculations, estimation, and percentages, to build numerical confidence.

3. Expand Geometry Concepts

Build a solid foundation in geometry by fostering abstract geometric thinking and spatial reasoning. Begin with basics like area calculation and gradually introduce more complex concepts to prepare for advanced studies.

4. Improve Competition Readiness

Prepare for math competitions like AMC 8 with targeted practice. Concentrate on essential skills such as labeling techniques, mastering complex geometry problems, and understanding combinations and permutations to enhance math proficiency and competition readiness.

Here’s How Think Academy Can Help: Ready your child for the new academic year with our $1 online trial math lessons, customized for each grade’s learning objectives. Our dedicated math teachers deliver engaging lessons to reinforce math skills, build confidence, and lay the groundwork for advanced topics.

Grade	Topics Covered in the Trial Lessons
G3	Enhancement: Know the Area – Learn the basics of area calculation, laying the foundation for calculating the area of more complex geometric shapes.  Competition: Labeling Technique in AMC 8 – Focus on key AMC 8 concepts, enhancing labeling skills crucial for competition success.
G4	Enhancement: Grids and Shifts – Begin with grid-based techniques, fostering abstract geometric thinking and laying a solid foundation for advanced math studies.  Competition: Common Base Model in AMC 8 – Master the critical step in solving complex geometry problems in AMC 8, significantly aiding fall geometry studies.
G5	Enhancement: Negative Integers and Number Line Expand into negative numbers, broadening number concepts to prepare for middle school challenges and early advancement.  Competition: Permutations in AMC 8 A must-know topic for AMC 8, essential for annual exams and competition preparation.

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Middle School (Grades 6-8)

1. Set Up a Math Study Plan

As the new school year approaches, design a study schedule that includes reviewing past concepts, practicing problem-solving, and previewing new topics. Set specific math goals to keep your child focused and motivated throughout the year.

2. Advance Algebra and Geometry Skills

Get ready for advanced topics by delving into algebraic concepts like solving equations and understanding functions. Expand geometry knowledge with complex problems involving angles, triangles, and coordinate geometry to build a strong foundation for the year ahead.

3. Develop Problem-Solving Techniques

Enhance problem-solving skills by tackling various math problems, especially those your child finds challenging. Focus on test-taking strategies and analytical thinking to better handle complex mathematical challenges in high school.

4. Get a Head Start on Competitions

Prepare for math competitions like AMC 8 and AMC 10 by engaging in targeted practice. Focus on algebra, geometric and combinatorics problem-solving techniques, to boost competition readiness and overall math proficiency.

Here’s How Think Academy Can Help: Get your middle schooler ready for the Fall semester with our $1 online trial math lessons. Our expert teachers offer targeted instruction in pre-algebra, algebra 1, geometry, and math competition techniques, paving the way for solving challenging problems and developing strong analytical thinking abilities.

Grade	Topics Covered in the Trial Lessons
Pre-Algebra	Sum, Difference, and Product Word Problems – Commonly featured in school curricula and competitions. – Review algebraic expressions and equations to prepare for Pre-Algebra in the new semester. – Enhance skills in reading and understanding complex word problems.
Algebra 1	Linear Functions in AMC – Master key Algebra 1 topics to prepare for the fall semester. – Practice problems equivalent to AMC 8’s difficult problems and AMC 10’s easy-to-intermediate problems. – Understand the connection between algebra and geometry.
Geometry	Right Triangle Models – Study various right triangle models used in AMC 8 and AMC 10. – Learn to apply these models in competition problems to prepare for AMC 10 this November. – Bridge the gap between school geometry and competition-level geometry.
Precalculus	Trigonometric Identities – Focus on crucial Precalculus concepts (30% of AP Precalculus). – Transition from Algebra 2 to Precalculus by mastering advanced trigonometric formulas. – Simplify complex formulas for better understanding.

Tailoring these strategies to your child’s needs will build a strong math foundation and pave the way for future success. Ready to give your child a head start? Try our $1 online trial math lessons and let Think Academy help them start the school year with confidence and skill.