This month, as the new school year kicked off, a Grade 11 high school student reached out to Teachers on Call's in-person and online tutoring service with a simple yet urgent request: "Please help me, I don’t want to fail math." This plea reflects the experience of so many students across all ages, whether they're in elementary school or high school. Math can be daunting for anyone and recognizing the need for help early can make all the difference. This student’s request inspired us to write this blog to help students and parents identify the signs of struggling in math and act proactively. Whether you’re a parent of a child in Grade 3 struggling with multiplication, or a high schooler facing the challenges of functions, this blog will show you how early intervention and support can turn math anxiety into confidence and success.
At Teachers on Call, our math tutors deeply empathize with this student's request and feel their anguish, but we also see this as a positive message. They are reaching out at the perfect time—right at the start of the school year—wanting the help they need to succeed. This is exactly the kind of student who will thrive with in-person or online math tutoring, and it's an important reminder that asking for help early is key to overcoming academic challenges. As the University of British Columbia notes in their article "Don't Say 'Math Is Hard': How Parents Can Help Children Succeed in Math", early encouragement and proactive involvement from parents can make a significant difference in a child’s academic journey. The start of a new school year is a critical time for students, especially as they face increasingly complex subjects like math and science. Here are some key signs that a student may be struggling with math and what parents and students can do to get back on track proactively.
1. Check Last Year’s Report Card for Signs of Gaps or Poor Marks
One of the first places to check for potential struggles is last year’s final report card. Poor performance or inconsistent marks, especially in math, can signal that a student was already falling behind before the new school year even started. If there are significant drops in grades or areas where improvement was needed, this can highlight concepts that may not have been fully understood.
Example: One parent shared in a Google review, "My daughter was struggling with Grade 10 math, and her confidence was at an all-time low. After working with a tutor from Teachers on Call, she not only passed but achieved grades we never thought possible." This success demonstrates how closing gaps from the previous year can boost both performance and confidence.
2. Falling Behind on Homework
Homework is one of the clearest indicators of how well a student understands the material. If your child is consistently struggling to complete their math homework or is spending far more time on it than expected, this could be a sign that they aren’t grasping key concepts. Students might also resort to copying homework or looking for answers online without fully understanding the process. At Teachers on Call, we offer personalized support to help students tackle their homework confidently by reinforcing the foundations they need to succeed.
Example: A Grade 11 student we recently worked with had difficulty completing math homework, often relying on classmates for help. After a few sessions focused on problem-solving techniques and concept review, they gained the confidence to tackle their assignments independently. This is echoed in a Google review that reads, "Teachers on Call helped my son turn his math homework struggles into daily wins. He now completes his work with understanding and confidence."
3. Poor Performance on Quizzes and Tests
For many students, the first major sign of trouble is a poor score on a quiz or test. A single bad grade doesn’t mean failure, but it’s important to act quickly before the next test rolls around. If a student is unable to explain why they performed poorly or doesn’t understand where they went wrong, that’s a red flag. With tutoring, students can review their tests in a supportive environment, identifying mistakes and learning how to correct them before they become patterns.
Example: One Google review shared how a student was consistently getting low marks on quizzes until they began tutoring with Teachers on Call. Their parent mentioned, "We noticed a huge improvement in both their quiz results and their confidence in tackling math problems. The tutor helped break down where our child went wrong and how to correct it." This illustrates the impact personalized attention can have on academic performance.
4. Anxiety or Avoidance About Math
It’s not unusual for students to feel anxious about math, but when that anxiety turns into avoidance—such as skipping homework, procrastinating on studying, or avoiding participation in class—it’s a clear signal that help is needed. Anxiety around math can create a cycle of avoidance, making the problem worse over time. At Teachers on Call, we work with students not only to build their math skills but also to help them develop the confidence they need to participate fully in their classes.
Example: A Grade 9 student avoided math assignments due to fear of failure. Through consistent tutoring and encouragement, they overcame their anxiety and started to participate more in class discussions. One Google reviewer wrote, "My child went from hating math to actually looking forward to tutoring sessions. The fear and avoidance are gone, replaced with confidence." This shows how addressing math anxiety can change a student’s relationship with the subject.
5. The Student Is Asking for Help
When a student reaches out and asks for help, as in the case of the Grade 11 student who inspired this blog, it’s one of the clearest signs that they are struggling. Recognizing the need for help is a major step in overcoming academic challenges, and it’s also a positive one. Students who actively seek assistance are showing the motivation needed to succeed. This request for help provides an opportunity for parents and educators to step in and offer the support the student needs, whether through tutoring or additional academic resources.
The Earlier You Start, the Better
Math doesn’t have to be a source of stress or frustration. From our decades of experience, we know that students who seek help early in the school year have a much better chance of mastering the material and gaining the confidence they need to succeed. The best in-person and online tutoring happens when a student is motivated and asking for help, and at Teachers on Call, we specialize in providing that personalized, one-on-one support. As the University of Alberta highlights in their article "Helping Kids Find Paths to Success in Math", creating supportive and encouraging learning environments is crucial for helping students thrive in math. Whether it’s catching up on concepts, preparing for tests, or simply building better study habits, we’re here to help. Our student success stories are a testament to the power of early intervention and tailored tutoring. Don’t wait until it feels overwhelming—reach out today and set your child up for success this school year.
