D For Parents Math Challenges (NAPSA)—In most U.S. schools, the math curriculum can be described as spiral rather than linear. That is, concepts are introduced in early grades and reintroduced again and again as the child progresses through school. The challenge this presents to some children is that they never fully master one concept before moving on to another. In a linear methodof instruction, students master each concept before moving on to the next. Another math Dr. Pastorok challenge children face is that the textbooks are brimming with math word problems. Reading math text can be very demanding for good andfor struggling math students. Many students find solving math word problemsfrustrating because they lack the reading comprehension skills or the math calculation skills to be able to solve them with ease. Reading comprehension and math achievement tend to be related, which makes solving math word problems, a math-reading issue, not just a math issue. To do well on math word problems, students need both math and reading skills. Located in 44 countries, Kumon Math and Reading Centers offer students the opportunity to master each math concept before advancing to develop reading comprehension skills, and to develop self-confidence about their academic abilities. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.kumon.com.
