From "I'm Not Good at Math" to a Solid B: How I Helped a 7th Grader Rebuild Her Confidence with Real-World Math

When Samantha’s Mom Reached Out, She Said, “She Doesn’t Think She’s Good at Math”

I started working with Samantha in the summer of 2025. She was heading into 7th grade and needed a review of 6th-grade math. Her mom put it this way:

“It feels like she remembers some, but I also feel she missed a lot. I'm worried she's going to be much further behind. She doesn't think she's good at math—when really, it just wasn't being taught to her in a way that her brain could get. She lost confidence.”

Samantha is a creative soul who loves theater, psychology, making bracelets, and singing—but math didn’t feel like it belonged in her world.

Who I Am and How I Teach

I’m Sharronda Smith, the founder of Enrichology Tutoring, and I specialize in supporting neurodivergent learners online. I grew up as the older sister of a brilliant, autistic brother and later discovered I’m neurodivergent myself. I understand both the academic and emotional sides of learning differently.

I’m certified in Texas to teach:

• 8–12 Composite Science

• 7–12 Mathematics

• EC–12 Special Education

I’ve taught high school science and now focus on 1:1 tutoring—especially for students who’ve been misunderstood or underestimated.

I love working online because it reduces the stress of commuting and gives both the student and the family more flexibility and regulation time. It also allows me to tailor sessions to my student’s energy, focus, and sensory needs.

My First Step: Understand How She Thinks, Not Just What She Knows

When we began, I didn’t jump straight into worksheets. I had conversations with Samantha, asked questions, and watched how she responded to problems in a Khan Academy pre-assessment.

I noticed she:

• Avoided numbers at times but could clearly explain concepts in plain language

• Didn’t use technical vocabulary but understood the logic behind the math

• Loved talking about psychology, which I realized was a bridge to abstract thinking

That’s when I decided to bring math into her world, not force her into mine.

The Turning Point: Making Math Make Sense Through Psychology

One day, we talked about how turkeys are sometimes stressed in factory farms, leading them to peck their own feathers or those of other turkeys. We used that to explore patterns, cause and effect, and graphing.

It wasn’t just a biology or psychology lesson—it became pre-algebra.

We used:

• Real-world behavior patterns to understand slope and change

• Desmos and other calculators to support her on “off days”

• Her own observations and interests to drive the discussion

Samantha didn’t feel “bad at math” when the numbers were part of something she cared about.

The Result: She Passed Her Semester with a B—and Gained a New Self-Image

By the end of the semester, Samantha had passed her 7th grade math class with a B—a big jump from the previous year, which her family said was only managed by “luck and prayer.”

But even more importantly, her self-talk changed.

She no longer says, “I’m bad at math.” Instead, she says:

• “I need a calculator today.”

• “Sometimes I have trouble with the numbers, but I get the logic.”

• “Oh! That’s like what happens when people get overwhelmed.”

And sometimes, when she feels confident, she solves problems by hand with zero hesitation.

Why This Matters

So many neurodivergent students internalize the idea that they’re not good at math because of how it’s traditionally taught. But when we approach math through their interests, logic, and ways of thinking—they thrive.

I don’t just tutor math. I help students see themselves as thinkers.

If your child needs math support that meets them where they are and builds from what they love, I’d love to help.

About the Author

Sharronda Smith is a neurodivergent educator and the founder of Enrichology Tutoring, serving students online across Texas and beyond. With certifications in secondary math, science, and special education, and a deep personal understanding of neurodivergence, she helps students develop real-world thinking, emotional regulation, and academic confidence. Learn more at EnrichologyTutoring.com or reach out at [email protected] .

Ready to help your child feel confident in math?

Schedule a free consultation to see how personalized, interest-based online tutoring can help your child thrive—no matter how they learn.
👉 Book A Consultation.