Going into Algebra, students are expected to have well-developed basic math skills. For many though, there are still trouble spots. Here are a few areas that I’ve found can be problematic for students:
Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing with fractions.
Reducing, simplifying, and factoring
Understanding the relationships between decimals, percentages, fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers, and being able to convert between them
Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing with negative numbers
Some students can benefit from a minor tune-up of arithmetic skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in order to ensure they have a solid foundation. In Algebra, students must be able to apply all of these skills to manipulate and solve symbolic equations involving variables. They are also responsible for organizational skills and stepwise problem-solving techniques—some of which are specific to the Common Core’s “new math—that they may not yet have had enough experience, guidance, or practice using.
When we work on problems together, I can quickly identify any areas that may need reinforcement or re-teaching. We can then pause to clear up these areas of confusion before moving forward and applying them to new material. In Algebra, the concepts are both cumulative and progressive. If your child’s questions don’t get answered, these deficits can pile up and become overwhelming. It’s my job to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Interested in experienced, empathetic in-home math tutoring for your child?
Call me today at 760-271-0147, or email darrylcifarelli@algebrageom.com
What my clients are saying!
6/9/2021
My daughter (High School Sophmore) challenged herself this year by signing up for Honors Geometry. We enlisted the help of Daryl to tutor her through the course. Best decision we could have made. Daryl’s knowledge of the subject matter, patience, flexibility and teaching ability all combined to give my daughter the confidence to tackle her most difficult subject and achieve a high grade. I recommend Daryl for any kids out there looking for some incremental support in higher level math. We will continue to use him for the rest of high school math and feel very fortunate to have found him.
6/21/2021
Darryl has been working with my son for two years now, helping him with both Algebra and Geometry. My son has math phobia and Darryl has really assisted him in learning how to work through problems and to gain confidence in math. During the pandemic, my son found himself looking forward to his weekly tutoring sessions with Darryl. He is truly one of the best tutors out there — patient, kind, understanding and supportive. We were very lucky to find him through Nextdoor!
We are so grateful that we found Darryl! I first contacted him at the very end of the 2013-2014 school year. My son was a freshman in HS and was struggling in Geometry. He was in danger of having to repeat the class. We only had a few weeks to turn the situation around. Darryl was wonderful. He went out of his way to make himself available for whatever help our son needed. In just a few short weeks, we got his grade up from a high D to a low B. (more…)
We love Darryl ! Rarely does a find come along like Darryl. He is much more than an adept tutor with all the necessary academic qualifications…he took our daughter through all required years of High School math.His approach was first of all to genuinely care, then to listen, to assess and then to impart the knowledge in a way that allowed our daughter to fully accomplish all that was required of her. Thank you Darryl!
~Jay Wentz
“It is an amazing thing to really understand something!” That is what my son, in high school, exclaimed after one of Darryl’s recent tutoring sessions. I wouldn’t have guessed that my boy would ever be excited about math. But Darryl has a way of quietly explaining and directing him through new concepts and challenging problems, (more…)
Darryl loves what he does. His caring and genuine interest in his students’ success is apparent. I would strongly recommend him to anyone needing tutoring assistance.
~Brent Abdulla, Carlsbad, CA
Hours Of Availability
I'm available for tutoring: Monday - Thursday
3:00pm - 8:00pm