Helping students make sense of math, find joy, improve, and accelerate through our 1:1 lessons, classes, and curriculum.
What an apple core and math have to do with each other
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I love to eat pineapple. But whenever I buy one from the store, I’m left with an odd itchiness in my throat. So I wondered—would growing my own pineapple eliminate that issue? I found out you can actually grow a pineapple plant from the top of a pineapple. In fact, pineapple plants love coffee, so it’s a great way to reuse coffee grounds. Plus, our Florida weather is perfect for growing them. Last year, I grew three pineapple plants just from pineapple tops. All I had to do was place the tops on the soil and watch them grow. Yes, it was that simple. But despite growing into large, healthy bushes, there were no pineapples. Where I live in Florida, it sometimes drops below 30 degrees, so I kept bringing the plants inside to protect them from the cold. But one day, I decided to leave the biggest plant outside. It was getting heavier and harder to move, so I just covered it with a bed sheet. Bad idea. The cold burned the tips of the leaves. But then, a few weeks later—there it was. A pineapple. Was that just a fluke? This year, I left the plants outside again. It hasn’t dropped to 30 degrees yet, but once again—we have a pineapple. However, it’s just one out of four plants this time. My odds aren’t exactly improving. So, I needed another option. A quick Google search showed me another way to help my pineapples grow. Apples! Apples release ethylene gas, which encourages pineapples to grow. I can’t wait to try it next time I have apples. Well, this is exactly how we approach math with our students. We start with a goal—whether it’s growing a pineapple, scoring well on a test, or tackling a difficult concept. We study the topic. We try exercises. If it clicks—great! We got it on the first try. But if it doesn’t? We adjust. We try a different approach. Over time, tutors develop multiple strategies for explaining concepts. If the first method doesn’t work, we quickly shift to another one. We look for that one thing—whether it’s cold weather or an apple core—that makes everything fall into place. Why the Right Support Makes a Difference That’s why individualized attention and small-group instruction are so powerful. We don’t just present great methods upfront—we also have the flexibility to adapt. Different students need different approaches, and finding the right one is what helps math click. Teaching math requires meeting students where they are. Experience helps guide this, but so does an excellent curriculum like our Hello Math! series. It provides multiple strategies for understanding math at a deeper level, giving students different ways to make sense of concepts. Just like the pineapple—when we create the right conditions, we get results. Parents like Latia say: Amazing class. Very engaging. My child has made so much progress! Or Hilary: Great class, and teacher is very patient and able to explain cleary all math concepts. My daughter makes lots of progress and doesn’t fear it anymore!
Now is the perfect time to help your child find their catalyst—the approach that will unlock their understanding of math. Sign up for a trial class! And yes, I know what you’re wondering… How was the homegrown pineapple? No itchiness. Sweet and delicious. P.S. If you know the secret to growing pineapples, reply and let me know! |
Ingrid | Tampa Bay Test Prep
Helping students make sense of math, find joy, improve, and accelerate through our 1:1 lessons, classes, and curriculum.
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