Free ‘Multiplication Madness’ program available for Rockwall, Heath area students

(ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX – Sept. 22, 2016) For the past several years, Mathnasium Learning Center of Rockwall-Heath has been helping kids in Pre-K through 12th grade better understand math, overcome homework frustration, and “make math make sense.” Owners Bob and Becky Barnes are excited to announce that Mathnasium will once again host a FREE, fun and educational […]

Finger Counters and Dot Counters and Foot Tappers, Oh My!

(ROCKWALL, TX – May 5, 2016) Picture this scenario. A teacher asks a classroom of students: “If you spend 70 cents, 80 cents, and 90 cents, how much did you spend altogether?” The teacher is thinking, “7 + 8 + 9 = 24.  With a zero at the end, the answer would be 240 cents.” […]

Problems in math? Solve them with play time

(ROCKWALL/HEATH – April 13, 2016) Once while working with a 2nd grader, I was reminded that just because a child knows a particular math skill, does not necessarily mean they will understand related or corollary facts.  This young man effortlessly counted by 2’s beginning at 2, however, when I asked him to then count by […]

Math is a ‘whole-brainer’

(ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX – Jan. 31, 2016) It is a common misconception that math is a strictly left-brained activity, reserved only for the structural, logical side of our brain and not the creative side. The idea that only left-brained people are talented at math is a myth—math has more than one component. When you describe math as a left-brained […]

Give children the gift of understanding at Christmas time

(ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX – Dec. 16, 2015) While watching a Spanish television series last month I thought it would be fun to see if my limited Spanish language skills would make it possible to follow the story. Within a few minutes of turning off the subtitles I became frustrated. The few words and phrases I was […]

Nothing builds confidence like success

(ROCKWALL, HEATH, TX – August 22, 2015) In the 1970’s sitcom Good Times, James Carter “Jimmy” Walker’s character frequently let out a big “Dyn-o-mite” during the show. This popular catch phrase was born out of his character’s outgoing personality. Because we are drawn to people who are confident and have a positive attitude, it was […]

How to avoid the ‘Summer Slide’

(ROCKWALL, TX – May 18, 2015) Every year about this time, panic sets in. Graduation, STAAR tests, end of year exams and projects loom in front of students (and parents), causing more than a little angst in the family. What can we do to get through these difficult times? If we have put off finding […]

Couple’s passion for teaching adds up to success

ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX (March 11, 2015) Mathnasium Learning Center of Rockwall-Heath is relocating to a bigger and conveniently-located facility at the intersection ofGoliad StreetandRalph Hall Parkway. An Open House is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 21. When Bob and Becky Barnes first opened the Mathnasium franchise in Rockwall a little over five years […]

When math gets a little tricky for your child…

Try performing some ‘mathemagic’  ROCKWALL, TX (Jan. 27, 2015) One of my favorite things to do when working with a child that has reached a point of frustration, fear or boredom with math is to take a break and do a little “Mathemagic.” I will hide the answer to an addition problem on a piece […]

Math – The Early Years: Before introducing numbers, try this…

ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX (Dec. 18, 2014) This year, Thanksgiving was special in many ways. The most delightful was an opportunity to spend a week with a two year old who kept everyone busy and laughing. His curiosity and enthusiasm reminded me that children begin to lay the foundations for future learning at a very young age […]

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