Closing Your Child’s Math Gaps with a Flexible Approach /3
Part 3: The How-To Guide for Catching Up in Math
If you’ve realized your child is struggling in math, you’re not alone and you’re probably wondering what to do next. Most schools will enroll them in what they call a a ‘Remedial Course’. But we don’t like the word remedial and neither will your child. No kid feels good thinking they’re “behind” or that you see them as struggling. Instead, there’s a good chance they’ll hide behind anger, avoidance, and disinterest.
(This is part 3 of a series on catching up in math. You can find links to the other parts in the series at the bottom of this page.)
Instead of labeling their learning as “going back” or “catching up,” we can make math about progress, problem-solving, and skill-building. This sounds tricky, but parents can (and are arguably better-equipped to) strengthen foundational skills without making their child feel like they’ve already failed or are stuck in the past.
Why a One-Size-Fits-All Program Doesn’t Work
Catching up isn’t as simple as repeating a lower-level course. Every child’s struggles are different. Some kids need to fill in just a few missing skills, while others need a deeper review - but no two students will need the exact same path to catching up.
💡 Example: Dividing Decimals
If a student is struggling with dividing decimals, the problem isn’t always the same - so the solution shouldn’t be either.
Student A: Knows how to divide but doesn’t understand how to place the decimal.
✅ Review place value shifts and practice estimating decimal placement before returning to the lesson by dividing decimals.Student B: Struggles with long division but understands decimals.
✅ Review long division with whole numbers first, then return to the lesson to introduce decimals.Student C: Needs both.
✅ Start with place value, move to long division, then return to the lesson to apply those skills together.
In the example above, each student struggles with dividing decimals, but the specific missing skill is different, meaning their path to mastery should be different too. Because of this, a dynamic approach is essential - one that adjusts to your child’s needs, fills in gaps as they arise, and keeps them moving forward.
How to Catch Up Without Feeling “Behind”
Step 1: Make Math the Priority
Math builds on itself, which means gaps will only grow bigger over time. Daily practice is key, but that doesn’t mean hours of worksheets. Even short, focused lessons can make a difference - consistent, strategic practice that makes math feel like a normal, expected part of the day.
If your child is behind in multiple subjects, prioritize math and literacy first since these are the foundations on which we build other skills.
Step 2: Connect Every Lesson to What They Already Know
Math feels less overwhelming when it’s part of a flowing, connected process instead of isolated lessons.
Before starting a new concept, remind your child where they left off:
🗣 “Last time, we worked on ___. Today, we’re building on that with ___.”
Or, have them explain it to you:
🗣 “Can you remind me what we did yesterday?”
Even when introducing a new topic, help your child see the connection to what they already know:
🗣 “Think of fractions like whole numbers - can add, subtract, multiply, and divide them, but with a few extra steps.”
When kids see the bigger picture, they feel more connected and in control.
Step 3: Layer in Missing Skills Instead of Dropping a Grade Level
If your child struggles with a skill required for today’s lesson, don’t ditch the lesson altogether - weave in the missing skills as you go.
💡 Example: Long Division
The lesson begins, but your child struggles to complete long division problems. Instead of pushing forward, you recognize the gap and1️⃣ Quick Intervention: Review basic division concepts, estimating quotients, and the purpose of each step in long division.
2️⃣ Immediate Practice: Work through division with smaller numbers and review multiplication facts to improve accuracy.
3️⃣ Return to the Lesson: Now that they have a stronger grasp of division, they continue the original problem with more confidence.
By catching gaps as they appear, you ensure they build the skill they need to move on rather than memorizing steps without understanding. Want to see a breakdown of how this method works in a real lesson? I have all the details in this play-by-play.
Step 4: End Each Math Session on a Positive Note
Math confidence comes from small wins, not just big breakthroughs.
At the end of each session, reflect together:
✅ What did we learn today?
✅ What was easier than expected?
✅ What do you think we should work on next?
If a lesson isn’t going well, it’s okay to pause. A 10-minute break (or even coming back later in the day) can help prevent frustration. The goal isn’t about finishing the lesson - it’s about actually understanding.
The Key to Success: Fill Gaps in Real-Time
The beauty of this approach is that by identifying and addressing gaps as they appear, your child can stay on track without feeling like they’re falling behind.
🔵 Math is cumulative – Skills build on one another, so gaps need to be filled or noted, not ignored.
🔵 Kids are always learning – They aren’t starting from zero; their knowledge may just be uneven.
🔵 Backtracking too far is discouraging – Fill in missing pieces as they arise instead of repeating entire grade levels.
🔵 Adaptability leads to mastery – Lessons should adjust based on what the child needs in the moment.
🔵 Math as a toolbox – Focus on equipping students with tools they can use in future problems instead of steps to solve the current problems.
🔵 Confidence is key – If a child feels like they are “behind,” it will impact their willingness to learn.
🔵 Show your work – Neat, organized math notes help reinforce learning and provide your child with a reference for their new tools.
🔵 The Snowball Effect – The more gaps you fill now, the fewer struggles there will be down the road.
By pivoting when necessary, reinforcing skills as they arise, and keeping math about progress, your child will catch up in no time.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing to remember? Your child is not behind - they are learning. Math struggles don’t have to be a permanent setback. With a flexible, responsive approach, you can help them fill in those missing gaps, regain their confidence, and move forward successfully.
Up next: Practical examples of this approach in action! In Part 4, we’ll walk through real-world applications so you can see exactly how to adjust lessons in the moment and make math make sense again.
Thanks for reading - I hope this helps in your homeschool journey!
Thanks for reading! This is where I share general insights and strategies from my own family’s experience and from working with other homeschoolers. Every child’s journey looks different, but these principles can apply across the board. If you’d like to see more, follow along on 𝕏 TimeTrekFam for daily updates and general shenanigans and click below to subscribe for free on Substack for the real content!
