Introduction
Maths can be tricky because it is a cumulative subject - it builds on itself year after year. Parents worry when their children feel detached or disconnected from math. This reality can only be daunting with proper resources or a solid support system. One of the most common complaints among children who dislike math is it's too complicated or that they're not smart enough. Sadly, this perception negatively affects a child's ability to succeed in math. Parents need to know that this does not mean their child lacks intelligence or drive. Believe it or not, kids who struggle with math often work mentally and physically hard. Parents are not able to see those symptoms in children, which is making them afraid of maths. Even their maths tutors can't get rid of this fear. This is why we'll explain and clarify the following for you: Let's start helping your child succeed, instead of struggle, with math.
3 Main Reasons a Child Struggles with Maths
If solving maths is nerve-wracking for your child, then you must be aware of the reasons. Let's have look at those causes:
Lack of building blocks
As mentioned earlier, math is cumulative, so learning and understanding the basics is essential. If a child needs to catch up in any one area due to a lack of understanding, moving on to more advanced topics will continue to be a challenge. Students have only learned math concepts related to their current grade level, not based on the mathematical knowledge they brought to the classroom. Students are learning maths to get grades, not to understand. This lack of knowledge is scaring them.
Mathematics concern
It's simple to feel like we're struggling alone when times are tough. The same is true for parents of kids who struggle with math. a state of stress and worry that makes it difficult to manipulate numbers and solve mathematical equations in a variety of real-world and academic contexts.
Symptoms of math anxiety may include
Avoidance
Lack of response
Low Availability
Negative self-talk
Sense of permanence
Strong emotional reactions
Learning difficulties
There are many math learning disabilities, one of which is more common: dyscalculia. Other names for this include math or number dyslexia. According to Dr. Daniel Ansari, professor of developmental cognitive neuroscience at Canada's Western University, children with dyscalculia struggle to recall math facts.
Often struggle with working memory
They have trouble remembering math facts. They can understand the reasoning behind math facts but need to learn how and when to apply their knowledge to solve problems. They may need help understanding quantities or concepts such as most significant versus most minor or the difference between the word five and the number 5.
Signs of Kids Struggling with Math
1. Expresses negative comments about maths
Recognising a child who is struggling with math can be difficult. One of the more visible signs lies in what they say about the subject, like "I hate math" or "I'm no good at math", and try to avoid math-related activities; it's usually a sign that they're struggling with the subject.
2. Gets anxious about maths
Be it during class, an exam, or working on a homework assignment, your child becomes increasingly anxious when it comes time to do the math.
Even though they can understand the concepts, math anxiety can result in them forgetting what they've learned or how to apply it when the time comes.
3. Grades that are low in math but high in other subjects
Whether you hear it from a teacher or see it on their report card, your child does well in every subject except math. Low math grades may lead them to focus on subjects in which they are already successful and spend little time practicing or studying math.
4. Trouble connecting math families
As students learn more math facts, they should see connections between certain numbers and equations.
5. Difficulty with time management
Time management is difficult for many, including adults, so this sign may seem somewhat vague. Pay attention to see if your child has trouble keeping track of time, following a set schedule, or reading clocks -- analog or digital.
6. Problems applying math concepts to real-world situations
Your child may understand math concepts but need help seeing how they apply to things outside the classroom. For example:
Finding out how many days are left for the birthday.
Estimating the cost of something and how much change, they should receive.
7. Mental Math Difficulty
While this can be helpful in the early years, solving math problems to count with fingers may signal that your child is struggling with math.
This is because as children get older, they will encounter larger numbers and more advanced equations that require mental math practice, which can discourage finger counting.
8. Doesn't try to find alternative ways around problems
When a math problem hits a wall, your child may become frustrated and move on before thinking of – or trying – any other possible solutions.
9. Trouble remembering basic math concepts and facts
Thinking with numbers can have a significant impact on memory. Despite being taught basic math concepts and facts in the past by private tutors, your child has trouble remembering and applying them appropriately.
10. Learning advanced math concepts and facts is difficult
Because of the cumulative nature of mathematics, it is important to make connections between previous and new lessons. Having difficulty building on earlier math concepts will limit a child's ability to apply new math skills in a meaningful, long-lasting way.
11. Not hitting milestones
Usually, children reach certain math milestones around the same age – but sometimes, they have trouble developing these skills at the same rate and fall behind. For example, first and second-grade students may have difficulty counting from one to two, five and ten, while others pick it up easily.
Methods that can help students who are struggling with maths
As a parent, your biggest goal is to help your child be successful. However, it is important to remember that the first step in solving a problem is to identify it. The above signs will help you identify any math problems your child is having. And to take it a step further, we've outlined some important tips you can use at home to help turn maths into a subject your child loves instead of dreading it!
Make math enjoyable
For some kids, a shift in perspective is all it takes to turn math from dread into something they love. A traditional pen-and-paper method will only sometimes work, and that's when you need to get creative.
Find Daily Application
Maths is all around us and present in our daily lives, but do your kids know this? Incorporating maths into their daily routine can help them understand – and appreciate – its relevance. So what are you waiting for? Start learning by doing!
Practice with your child daily
Parents support their children as they work through math homework. On the surface, this tip may sound as simple as sitting beside your child while doing their homework and ensuring they get it done. But there are many benefits to being involved in your child's education.
According to author and developmental psychologist Rebecca Fraser-Thill, parental involvement boosts academic achievement, improves social skills, and can increase self-esteem.
Identify problem areas
If you can spot them yourself, wonderful! If not, reach out to your child's maths teacher for a more intimate and accurate idea of how you can help increase your child's potential to succeed.
Keep a positive attitude
While children may have a negative attitude towards maths, your attitude towards the subject may need to change first. A School Science and Mathematics study found that parental attitudes toward math can significantly predict students' attitudes toward math.
Get a tutor
Some parents have been out of school for a long time and must familiarise themselves with some teaching strategies. Others don't feel comfortable being the teacher at home. For this reason, some parents are thinking about hiring an online tutor. Websites like SelectMyTutor can help you find the best maths tutor for your child.
Consider possible learning disabilities
If your child has a learning disability, the sooner you seek help, the better! It can be challenging to spot and diagnose, but in the long run, getting early and appropriate support can help ensure the best educational journey for your child.
Conclusion
Blog the whole blog, we went through distinct points such as problems faced by students while practicing maths, the causes of those problems, and their solutions. Math struggles can make kids feel like they're not smart and affect their self-esteem. However, this is a common struggle. One of the biggest things you can do today is to let them know that everyone struggles - even you - and has strengths too! Share a personal example of a time when you struggled with math and how you overcame it. Then, try to incorporate some of the helpful tips listed above. Online tutors can also help your children a lot in this. Math can be a struggle, but embarking on this journey with online tutors will boost your child's confidence and motivate them to keep trying!
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