top of page

Minato's Math Lab Instructions​

These are written to the student. But parents should read them too!

Ask questions: By text, email, or in person.

All my students and their parents should have my text number.

Anyone else can email me. 

​​

How to Log On to iXL:​

​

Website: www.ixl.com

​

Username: your first name + your last name + 276         For example: alberteinstein276         all lowercase, no spaces

if you have multiple or hyphenated last names, ask me what I used when I signed you up.

​

Passcode: You each have a passcode that you can change. Save it somewhere you can find it. If you can't remember it and can't find it, email or text me.

​

Each Student's Google Doc: Each of my students has a Google Doc where I document their work, including their progress in Math Lab and iXL. I have shared this Doc with the student and parents. The title is your first name, your last name, "Tutoring," and the current school year, such as "2024-2025." Practice finding it right now. I do not write much for Math Lab. But I do occasionally cut-and-paste your current iXL Assessment, so we can follow your progress. I also make other brief notes to help me help you have success in our math work together.

​

To Do Before Coming to Math Lab the First Time:

​

  1. The first thing to do is diagnostics. It takes 45 - 60 minutes the first time. You do not need to do it in one sitting

    1. Go to Assessment.

    2. Click on "Step Into the Arena"

    3. Follow instructions

    4. Note: At the bottom right of each question, in light blue, is "I don't know this yet." Do not be shy to use this!

    5. You can't have any help on the math. Feel free to get help logging on and learning the system.

    6. Diagnostic tests can be annoying. Some of the questions you have no idea how to do. Don't let the diagnostics rattle you. Just do your best and get it done! Do not feel judged.

    7. You may, and should, use pencil a paper.

    8. Use a calculator as little as possible. It is OK to use one to do simple arithmetic that is tedious to do by hand.

    9. If you do not get to this before your first session, no stress. We will do this at Math Lab.

​

To Do Each Time at Math Lab:

​

  1. Do 10 minutes or so of diagnostics to pinpoint your study plan.​ See instructions above.

  2. Work on grade level material for 15 - 30 minutes. this is work that I have selected that directly supports what you are doing in your math class right now. I have this listed in each student's Google Doc. Or ask me.

  3. Work on material from past years for 15 - 30 minutes. Go to Assessment and choose one of the six areas of math. Select one of iXL's recommendations. Or ask me.

  4. You can do 2 or 3 in either order. Go back and forth. Mix it up.

  5. Feel free to take a break when you need a break.

    1. I have some math games on the shelf that you can play alone or with someone else. 

    2. Get up and walk around.

    3. Drink water. Have a snack.

    4. Use the restroom when you need to. But don't hang out in the restroom when what you really need is a break.

    5. Ask Joe to tell you a joke. I have lots of really great Dad Jokes. 

    6. I do ask you to stay off your phone. It is OK to text your parents if you need to. 

  6. Math is hard! Doing math that is additional to regular school is asking a lot of you. The ultimate goals for you are to: (1) Get to grade level by the beginning of next school year or as soon as we can; (2) Help you develop confidence and find joy in math. Who knows, maybe you make a new friend or have some actual fun.

  7. Do not get discouraged. If you start to get discouraged, stressed, anxious, or any other unpleasant emotion, take a break. Talk to Joe if you are comfortable doing so.

 

​

bottom of page