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More than getting it right once
A child can get a question right by following steps they don’t understand. Mastery means they can do it reliably, explain why it works, use it in a new situation and still do it weeks later. That’s a higher bar, and it’s the one that makes the next grade easier.
How we check
A mastery check is short. It asks your child to solve, explain and apply, often with a question that looks different from the ones they practised. If something is shaky, we go back to it now, while it’s small, rather than moving on and hoping.
Mastery means reliable, explainable and lasting.
How to tell at home
Ask your child to teach you. If they can explain a skill in their own words, show you an example and tell you where people usually go wrong, they probably really get it. If they can only repeat the steps, it may need more time, and that’s fine.
What you’ll take away
- 01Mastery means reliable, explainable and lasting.
- 02We move on when a skill is secure, not when the calendar says so.
- 03Ask your child to teach you.
