How to Deal with Math Anxiety
Math is a skill that anyone can learn with practice. However, since the subject builds on itself year after year, children can easily fall behind. This leads to math anxiety, a state of mind where children get flustered when it comes to math. Even children who do well in math can experience this kind of anxiety if they feel that others are doing better. Here’s how you can help your child deal with this common academic problem.
Understand the Cause
The main reason children experience anxiety with math is that they haven’t mastered fundamental concepts. They struggle to jump to new concepts when they haven’t quite figured out the ones that came before. Others might understand the subject but get discouraged that they’re not as fast as someone else at solving a problem. Watching others do well in math while they fall behind can make children feel inadequate. Rather than putting their math struggles into perspective, children feel like they’ve failed at the subject. If you worry that your child is facing this problem, talk about it.
Make it Fun
Like any subject, the best way to get children on board with math is to make it fun! Play math games with your child by using household objects to drill in the basic concepts. Pull out board games that require math skills to master, like Monopoly and Yahtzee. Encourage your child to play math games online like the ones on Math Playground or the PBS Kids Math Games that feature their favorite characters. There are several free websites and apps online; just make sure to vet each one to verify that they’re appropriate for children.
Be Positive About Math
If you’re not a fan of math, your attitude toward the subject may cause your child to feel the same way. Whether your child excels at math and won't stop talking about it or struggles with math and keeps asking for your help, meet them with a positive attitude. If you are skilled at math but can’t seem to get your child up to speed, be a good sport about it. You might also find that your skills have become rusty! There’s no shame in hiring a tutor to help your child succeed if they’re falling behind.
Look for Signs Early On
Math is a subject that builds on itself as your child moves up to new grade levels. If they suddenly start struggling, you may need to work backwards to see what they didn’t grasp. As soon as you find that your child is falling behind in math, find a way to help. You can spend time with your child to find a solution to the problem, or you can hire a tutor who specializes in math. The better your child’s foundation, the more chance they’ll have of succeeding without math anxiety.
Math anxiety is a reality for many children, especially those who don’t naturally excel at the subject. With over 57 years of academic excellence, St. Teresa Catholic School, a Titusville private school, provides a quality education that challenges and empowers students to develop to their full potential. Students foster qualities that are essential for lifelong learning and are equipped for future success. To learn more about why St. Teresa is the perfect fit for you and your student, contact us today.