For some children, mathematics is not just another subject in school. It is the subject they are already scared of before the teacher even starts teaching. Once they see numbers, fractions, equations or a long mathematical question on the board, they may already feel like they cannot solve it.
This fear can affect the way a child learns. A student who believes that they are not good at mathematics may stop asking questions, avoid participating in class or quickly give up when they don’t understand something. Sometimes, the problem is not that the child cannot learn math, but that they have developed the wrong feeling towards it.
So, how can parents and teachers make mathematics less scary and more enjoyable for elementary and middle school students?
Start by finding out why the child is struggling
Before trying to make math easier, it is important to understand what is actually making the child afraid of it. Some children may have missed important basics, while others may be afraid of giving the wrong answer in front of their classmates. Some may also struggle because the method being used to teach them does not work for them.
Instead of immediately concluding that the child is simply “not good at math,” parents and teachers should try to understand where the difficulty is coming from. Once the problem is identified, it becomes easier to find a better way to help the child.
Start with what they understand.
Don’t just go straight to the topics they would see difficult, try to start with where he understands best like the basic minus, addition and multiplication. From there you show them that it’s the same step by step procedure that still doing one of the elements wither adding the numbers or subtracting them or dividing them that’s the most common.
If they can understand that the basic is what that matters and from there the difficult ones becomes easy to solve also then that’s a win case scenario. Then froom there you go further and also try not to move to fast not to confuse the child. Some children learn very slow so it is understandable.
Connecting it to everyday life.
Try to use real life example to make the child understand. When it comes to practical aspect, some children tends top learn faster and easier, if that method works then you abduct it to make use of it more frequently.
Maths is something we apply in our everyday life so really if the child can understand that then he could easily understand the mathematical problem that he is to solve.
Make lessons more practical.
By abducting practical method to make the child understand the equation can answer some questions that the child always has in mind as to where would this equation be necessary to me In my daily life. By using practical example you tends to explain that it would go a long way in helping him/her.
For example, instead of only teaching addition and subtraction with numbers written on the board, a teacher can use money, fruits, toys or other simple objects. If a child has ₦1,000 and spends ₦600, asking how much is left can make subtraction easier to understand because the child can relate to the situation.
When children can see and interact with what they are learning, mathematics stops looking like a collection of confusing numbers and starts becoming something they can understand and use in their everyday lives.
Allow them to make mistakes
Nobody gets everything right, especially when they are still learning. Children should be allowed to make mistakes when solving math questions. Instead of making them feel bad when they get an answer wrong, teachers should correct them and show them where they made the mistake. This will make them less afraid of trying again.
Not every child understands things at the same speed. Some students may understand a math topic immediately, while others may need more time. Comparing them with their classmates can make them feel like they are not good enough. It is better to encourage them and pay attention to the progress they are making.
Break difficult questions into smaller parts
Sometimes, it is not really the math that is difficult. The question just looks too big. Teachers can help by breaking it down and taking it one step at a time. When a child understands each part, the whole question becomes easier to deal with.Children should not be scared to say that they don’t understand something. A student may not understand a topic simply because one part was not properly explained. Teachers should allow them to ask questions without making them feel embarrassed. Once they are comfortable asking questions, they will be more willing to learn.
Give them enough practice
The more children practise, the more familiar they become with mathematics. But this does not mean giving them plenty questions until they are tired. Start with simple questions and gradually make them more difficult as they improve. This can help them build confidence without putting too much pressure on them.
There are many educational videos, apps and games that can help children understand mathematics in a different way. If a child does not understand something from the teacher’s explanation, watching another explanation or using an educational game may help.
Parents should also help at home
Parents have a role to play too. They can encourage their children to practise at home, help them with their homework and ask about what they learnt in school. Even when the parent does not know the answer, showing interest can encourage the child to take learning seriously.
A child who keeps hearing that they are bad at mathematics may eventually believe it. Instead of saying things like “you are not good at math,” parents and teachers should encourage them to keep trying. Even when the improvement is small, it should be noticed. Sometimes, all a child needs is someone to make them believe that they can actually do it.