Margie Thompson
Learning Specialist & Academic Tutor
Empowering children to reach their
true academic potential!
​Learn more today! Call 407-408-3132!
Email: margie.thompson@live.com
Math Tutor Serving The Orlando Area
A qualified learning specialist and math tutor can help students learn and excel.
Let's face it...math is difficult for many of us, even as adults. Still, math is critical for each and every student’s success. If you live in the Orlando area, and your child is relying on fingers for counting support, struggling with word problems or has a diagnosis of dyscalculia, Margie Thompson offers solutions using the Nanci Bell: On Cloud Nine Math Program.® This unique and highly successful program teaches the vitally important, and often overlooked, skill of imagery.
Many are unaware that weaknesses in imagery can cause children to have difficulty learning things such as math facts, understanding math relationships, computations, and difficulty performing more abstract mathematical problems. Research shows that imagery is often the missing link in retaining what is learned.
Many children struggle with automaticity in recalling basic math facts. This problem is often due to weak numeric symbol imagery-the ability to visualize the identity, sequence, and value of a numeral or symbol in a math equation. In much the same way that children must have a mental image of letters in a word to correctly spell it, they must also have mental images of basic math facts such as addition and subtraction. Through systematic instruction and practice, children are taught to image and recall math facts quickly and accurately.
Even if your child has mastered basic math facts, he or she may struggle to apply these facts to word problems or more abstract math equations. There is very little visual application in math. It’s not surprising that many students who have difficulty with reading comprehension also experience difficulty with math concepts. Just as children need to create mental images in order to understand reading material, they must also create a gestalt image to comprehend mathematical word problems. Understanding place value, fractions, decimals, and percentages requires an ability to take concepts that are abstract, and with imaging, make them more concrete and real.
If you live in the Orlando area, and your child is experiencing problems with math, Margie Thompson can help solve it!
Frequently Asked Questions About Math Specialists
Q: How can a Central Florida learning specialist and math tutor help my child?
A: When a child is exhibiting signs that he/she may be struggling with math, the best step is to get help from someone who understands the situation. Being that each child is different, Margie Thompson uses her 22 years of experience to assess each child and create a unique lesson plan that caters to their needs. This is, unfortunately, uncommon in your typical tutoring center, where they use general lessons for their clients.
Q: What is Dyscalculia and is that the reason my child struggles with math?
A: Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects a person's ability to understand numbers and math concepts. Margie offers remedial math services using researched-based methodologies such as the Nanci Bell: On Cloud Nine Math Program specifically designed for students with dyscalculia. Symptoms may include:
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Difficulty understanding math symbols
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Difficulty using steps involved in math operations
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Difficulty memorizing math facts
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Difficulty imaging a mental number line
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Difficulty telling time and concepts related to time such as days, weeks, months, seasons, etc.
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Trouble with counting
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Difficulty with money and making change.
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Difficulty understanding word problems, place value, number lines, positive and negative numbers, and fractions
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Difficulty with multi-step math word problems
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Difficulty understanding mathematical vocabulary
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Trouble explaining math processes
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Difficulty keeping numbers lined up
Q: How can I tell if my child needs a learning specialist and math tutor?
A: When determining if you should seek the help of a math tutor, there are several factors to consider. Here are a few signs that your child may need a math tutor:
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Your child has trouble remembering basic math rules, formulas, or procedures.
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While working on a math problem, your child forgets what they are doing.
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Your child has difficulty with math problems involving multiple steps.
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They may feel overwhelmed when given multiple math problems.
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Your child has trouble determining what is and isn’t important in math problems, particularly with word problems.
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They are confused by certain math language and concepts and are unable to explain to others what they are confused about.
Q: What is causing my child’s issues with math?
A: In addition to dyscalculia, there are some other commonly known causes of trouble with math. Dyslexia can affect your child’s math skills, especially if your child has issues with counting and word problems. In fact, many children who have dyscalculia also have dyslexia. Another cause of math issues is math anxiety, which is when your child is so nervous when it comes to doing math, it affects their academic performance. Visual processing disorders can also affect a child’s math abilities, especially if you observe your child having issues with lining up math problems on a page or if he/she has difficulty reading charts and maps. If your child has issues simply paying attention while doing math and they have issues focusing on their work.
Q: As a parent, what can I do to support my child and their troubles with math?
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A: To support your child and their troubles with math, you can do the following:
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Turn Math into A Game – Sometimes the best approach to completing homework is making it seem like it’s not homework at all! This relieves some pressure for the child while helping them improve their math skills.
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Consider Apps or Additional Technology – Most children with math issues experience improvement with apps that help them learn math. And, at the same time, your child is having fun while improving their skills.
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Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem – Just reminding your child that they are doing well and acknowledging their strengths can help boost their confidence, which will reflect in their academic performance.
