"Does that explanation help you understand the problem better?"
Claire nods before scribbling down the answer in her notebook. Once done, she glances up. Her expression is oddly pensive. "Why can't Mr. Schmidt explain it like that? The way he teaches is so confusing. It doesn't make sense to me."
A smile of encouragement touches my lips. "I know it might seem that way, but mathematics can be difficult to teach. The concepts aren't always easy to grasp or understand, and that makes it challenging."
I give Claire a little pat on the back. I'm so proud of the progress she's made. I've never seen anyone work so hard to comprehend one problem. She's so determined. Over the last two months, what I've learned is that Claire doesn't give up easily.
"Look how well you're doing! I think you can accomplish anything you set your mind to."
She beams. Claire is like a flower that has grown and bloomed under positive reinforcement.