top of page
Search

5 Tips for Getting Back on Track in Math Class This School Year

  • Writer: Rebecca
    Rebecca
  • Aug 13
  • 2 min read

A new school year is a fresh start—new notebooks, new teachers, and, for many students, a renewed determination to do better in math. Whether last year was smooth sailing or full of challenges, the beginning of the year is the perfect time to reset your approach and set yourself up for success. Here are five practical tips to help you get back on track in math class.

1. Review the Basics Before Diving In

Math builds on itself. If you struggled with fractions, negative numbers, or solving equations last year, those gaps will make new concepts harder to grasp. Spend a week reviewing key topics from the previous grade. Even just 10–15 minutes a day of targeted practice can rebuild your confidence and make new lessons feel much easier.

Quick tip: Use old homework, last year’s tests, or free online practice problems to identify where you need the most review.

2. Stay Consistent from the Start

It’s easy to think, “I’ll start studying once it gets harder,” but by then you might already feel behind. Math is like learning a language—you need regular practice. Commit to reviewing class notes every day, even if it’s just for five minutes, and tackle homework as soon as possible after class while the material is fresh.

3. Ask Questions Early and Often

ree

One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting too long to ask for help. If something doesn’t make sense, raise your hand in class, talk to your teacher before or after school, or find a tutor. The earlier you clear up confusion, the less likely it is to snowball into a bigger problem.

Remember: If you’re confused, you’re probably not the only one—asking questions helps everyone.




4. Practice Beyond the Homework

Homework usually reinforces what was taught that day—but real mastery comes from a variety of math problems. Try practice problems from different sources, old tests, or online resources to challenge yourself with different formats and levels of difficulty. This will prepare you for tricky questions on quizzes and exams.

5. Keep a Positive, Growth Mindset

Math anxiety is real, and it can hold you back more than the content itself. Instead of thinking “I’m just bad at math,” remind yourself that math is a skill, not an innate talent. Mistakes are not failures—they’re feedback on where you need to improve. Celebrate small wins, like finally understanding a tough concept or improving your quiz score.

Final thought: Getting back on track in math doesn’t require a huge overhaul—just steady, intentional effort from day one. With consistent practice, curiosity, and the right support, this can be your strongest math year yet.

Comments

  • How can I help if my child is failing math?
    If your child is struggling with or failing math, the first step is to identify why. Sometimes they're missing foundational skills from earlier grades, sometimes the issue is a lack of confidence, and sometimes it’s simply not knowing how to approach problems effectively. Start by having an open conversation with your child to understand where they think they're struggling. Talk with your child’s math teacher—they can share your child's in-class weaknesses and suggest resources. From there, a math tutor can help by filling in skill gaps, re-teaching concepts in a way your child understands, and building confidence through regular practice. With early support and clear communication between you, your child, and their teacher & math tutor, it’s possible to turn struggles into steady progress. The sooner your child gets help, the easier it will be for them to get back on track—math builds on itself, so addressing difficulties now can prevent bigger challenges later.
  • Why is my child failing math?
    Your child may be failing math due to gaps in foundational skills, difficulty understanding new concepts, test anxiety, or a lack of confidence in their abilities. Some students struggle with fast-paced instruction in school and need more time to absorb concepts or personalized support to keep up. It’s important to talk to your child to understand where they feel stuck and provide encouragement rather than blame. One-on-one tutoring can help by offering personalized instruction and targeted practice to strengthen weak areas and build confidence.
  • How do I find a Math Tutor?
    To find a private math tutor, start by identifying your child’s specific needs—whether they need help with basic math skills, math enrichment, test prep (SAT, ACT), or advanced subjects like calculus. Look for a qualified tutor with experience, strong credentials, and a teaching style that fits your child’s learning needs. Online tutoring in math offers flexibility and personalized instruction to help students improve their confidence and grades. Need expert one-on-one tutoring? I offer private online math tutoring—contact me today to get started.
bottom of page