| Q.How does Gideon differ from school? |
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Ans: The biggest difference between Gideon and most schools is that Gideon requires mastery before advancement. Schools cannot take the time to master concepts. They just introduce them, do a few problems, and move on. This will sometimes be too fast for some students. Schools have a certain curriculum that must be completed in nine months. They cannot customize for the remedial or even the advanced child which creates a 'one-size' fits all for their students. The Gideon curriculum progresses at a comfortable pace for the child. An advanced student can do more and move faster, while the remedial student can move slower and do more repetition. It is difficult for a school to slow down for one student or move above grade level for another.
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| Q.How does Gideon differ from private tutoring? |
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Ans: Gideon is not meant to be a quick fix like tutoring. Tutoring works on the current problems but does not go to the root of the problem. Gideon on the other hand builds a strong foundation filling in any holes and gaps. Algebra I is very difficult if you haven't memorized your multiplication facts or cannot add negative numbers. Gideon also works at a slower pace, so the skills are mastered and retained.
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| Q. Can Gideon help learning different children? |
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Ans: Gideon can help most children even those with ADHD or high functioning autism. Since the program is so flexible, adjustments can be made to move slower if necessary. High functioning autistic children may master the material slower but should still be able to make great progress. We try to hold these children to the same standards as our other students. We have seen several learning different children rise to grade level and continue to advance. All they need is more time, patience, and support. Don't put a limit on any child's capabilities!
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| Q. Why do we start so low in math? |
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Ans: Most students will start in addition facts because they simply have no mastery of them. The A on the report card will not reflect if the child is finger counting. The grades will won't start to fall until it's obvious the multiplication and division facts have not been mastered. Many are still counting on their fingers into middle school. A lot of frustration comes from low grades due to careless mistakes and taking hours to do homework.
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| Q. What areas do we concentrate on in independent reading? |
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Ans: The Gideon curriculum focuses on reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.
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| Q. Why do we time the math? |
| Ans: Gideon times its math booklets to ensure the student has mastered the facts and is not finger counting. Our initial goal is for each student to 'overlearn' the basic arithmetic facts and to know them as well as their name. Sometimes ADHD parents complain about this aspect claiming their child simply cannot focus for any length of time. It can be more of a challenge, but most students can be trained to focus for a short time to finish one math assignment. Again, in the real world, they will be required to focus, so it can only benefit them to start now. |
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| Q. Why are we repeating the same math booklet AGAIN? |
| Ans: Gideon has time and mistake standards. If the child does not meet these the first, second, or even on the third time, it shows that he has not mastered this concept. Especially once the child is above grade level, extra repetition may be necessary to achieve these results. Each instructor can decide how closely to follow the standards as too much repetition can sometimes be frustrating to a student. However, remember that allowing a child to advance too quickly without some degree of mastery may create more problems later. Most students are capable of meeting these time and mistake standards. |
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| Q. How can I move older math students faster? |
| Ans: If a student is in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade and just needs a little review, some booklets may be skipped. Use your best judgment as to whether the student needs those or not. Here is a recommendation: Start with HA 9,10; HS 4,5; VA 4; VS 3,4,5. Usually most students this age need to start doing all the booklets after this. We also have HA/HS, VA/VS, HM/HD, and VM/VD review booklets that can be used to review basic concepts. If a student is in 6th grade or higher and has passed all math tests through F, the student can be put through the pre-algebra review booklets 25 - 27. If the student struggles with a page, start on the corresponding booklet. |
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| Q. Can an independent learner come just once a week? |
| Ans: Yes, you can still closely monitor his progress. If the student completes his booklets each week, he will be tested when he comes to class. Some parents need the structure and support of attending class twice a week, especially if their child complains about having to do this extra work. A very diligent and involved parent could also do the program by correspondence. After they email or call in the result from the tests, you can mail the next booklets to them. With correspondence students you will have to predict what the child will need, so they will always have daily work. |
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| Q. How do I get started? |
| Ans: Please come to our Gideon Center. The address and timings are mentined in each page in this site. Or call 832 677 4399. Our center manager is happy to explain every thing to you and will guide you through the process. Or send a mail to katygideon@gmail.com. We will contact you back. |
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