An educationalist and mathematics expert with 18 years of experience in different industry domains, Reema is an honours degree holder in Mathematics from Lady Shri Ram College, and then she pursued her Masters in Mathematics from IIT Delhi. She has earlier worked for prestigious institutions such as Xseed and Vedantu. Reema has developed and experimented with numerous programs on her own, all of which eventually fit with her thought process of using technology to simplify teaching.
“I Hate Math!”
“Math is the worst subject”
“Why do we have to study math?”
Most parents must have heard such sentences in their life if their kids struggle with math. Most of these kids had been comfortable with number sense and spatial sense in the early years and we don't even realize when this comfort turns to disliking and hatred towards math.
Making children overcome the fear of math is usually a gradual process that requires patience, understanding, and consistent effort both by the parents and the mentor. Here are some strategies to help children overcome their fear of math:
Create a positive learning environment:
Foster a positive attitude towards math by creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment. Provide constructive feedback, emphasize that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and that we should learn lessons from our mistakes. Acknowledge and celebrate the child's progress, no matter how small. Recognize their effort, improvement, and achievements to boost their confidence and motivation.
Identify and address the root cause:
Talk to the child to understand their specific fears or challenges with math. It could be related to a particular concept, past negative experiences, or a lack of confidence. Identifying the root cause will help you address it more effectively.
Build a strong foundation:
Ensure that the child has a strong foundation in math. If they are struggling with basic concepts, consider reviewing them before moving on to more advanced topics. Provide extra practice and reinforcement to build confidence. It is suggested to keep an eye on the interest of the child in mathematics in their early years so that you can work on it sooner. Working on it sooner, will give you faster and better results.
Break it down:
Math can be overwhelming for some children, so break down complex problems or concepts into smaller, more manageable parts. Teach them problem-solving strategies and guide them through the step-by-step process.
Use real-life examples:
Connect math to real-life situations and examples that children can relate to. Show them how math is used in everyday activities like cooking, shopping, or sports. This can make math more tangible and relevant, reducing their fear.
Make it fun and engaging:
Incorporate games, puzzles, and interactive activities to make math enjoyable. Use online resources, math apps, or educational websites that provide engaging math games. This can help shift their perception of math from something scary to something enjoyable.
- Provide additional support:
If necessary, consider additional resources such as tutoring, online courses, or math clubs if needed. A different teaching approach or additional guidance from an expert can make a significant difference in a child's understanding and confidence.
- Encourage perseverance:
Teach children the importance of perseverance and resilience in overcoming challenges. Encourage them to keep trying, even when they make mistakes or find math difficult. Praise their effort and emphasize that progress takes time.
- Be a positive role model:
Display a positive attitude towards math yourself. Avoid expressing negative thoughts or frustrations about math in front of the child, as it can influence their perception. Instead, show enthusiasm, curiosity, and a growth mindset when it comes to math.
Remember that each child is unique, and it may take time for them to overcome their fear of math. Be patient, supportive, and adaptive in your approach, and seek professional help if the fear persists or significantly impacts their academic progress.
