GeorgiaTest Prep
Does your child have mathphobia? It’s not uncommon, many of us (even parents!) have it. But if it goes unaddressed, it could follow your child for their whole life and be a major learning handicap. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to help your kid smash their math anxiety.
The most foundational thing you can do to help your children in math is to build a positive attitude around it. This might involve assessing how you feel about math and how you express it!
Have you ever said things such as, “I’m not good at math,” or “I just don’t like math”? If so, then perhaps it’s time to reset the way you think about math. After all, kids pick up attitudes from their parents.
So express positive emotions about math, even if only for your kid’s sake! Also, ditch the idea that some people are not good at math, and be verbal about this. Constantly reassure your kids that anyone can learn math (and extend this attitude to all subjects).
Teach them that it’s normal, and even OK, to feel negative feelings when faced with a problem. Everyone goes through it! This will teach them to handle their emotions better.At the same time, keep giving them positive reinforcement. Sometimes it takes time to overcome the belief that we can’t do something, but constant encouragement helps. Remember to check out article on promoting a growth mindset for more depth on this concept.
There are plenty of math-themed games to play. Whether you want to play an online game specifically designed to teach math, or play a game that inherently involves math (like Monopoly Deal, or something), it will give children a chance to apply math skills in a playful context.
Parents read to children to develop reading skills. But somehow doing math with kids at home for fun is just not as common, or almost unheard of.
Make it a habit to practice math with your kids. This helps them develop positive associations with math before they start school. But even if your kids are already in middle school, it will still be a positive experience when you take the time to practice with them.
Bring math out of the context of solving a problem, and associate it with real life. After all, that’s where most of us wind up using math the most!
Ask them to help with calculations while cooking, or with change at the grocery store. Use metaphors with their favorite sport (how many touchdowns does Team X have to score to tie with Team Y who is 12 points ahead)? Get in on a game of Pokemon cards if you have to!
This will help them come out of the “classroom mode”, which might be serving as a blocker to developing their math skills.
Sounds a little strange? Well, this one is backed by a scientific study. In a 2018 study from Columbia University’s Barnard College, researchers assessed how effective math-related bedtime stories would affect 1st-grade children’s math potential.
They used an app called Bedtime Math (available for free on Google PlayStore), where kids would answer content questions, simple addition, or math word problems after hearing a story. After one year of observation, it was determined that such an intervention can have powerful lasting effects on children’s academic achievements.
Note: Bedtime Math is actually an app aimed at helping parents with math anxiety to help their kids, but it can help all parents to bring math to their young child in a fun way. This app has numerous benefits.
The elegance of this solution lies in its simplicity and the science behind it.
A study has shown that teachers wait 0.7-1.4 seconds after asking a student a question before moving on. But it takes students up to 10 seconds to process questions and formulate answers. Simply allowing your children time to think after asking them a question will foster an environment for critical thinking and success.
In fact, another 1972 study showed that when you give students at least three seconds of undisturbed wait-time, there are numerous positive outcomes.
overcome math anxiety
Help your child solidify the math they learn in Georgia schools. Proven method to solidify math foundations is by answering practice questions multiple times. Thousands of Grade 7 math practice questions available online at your fingertips.
In this Infographic, we have illustrated 7 tips to help your children develop a positive attitude.
The blog has 7 tips to help children develop a positive attitude From encouraging a growth mindset to leading by example, these strategies will help your children develop resilience and also excel in Math with Grade 3 Math Practice Questions.
Georgia Test Prep is a web app designed for elementary & middle school students, Offers Fun Way to Learn, practice and master English and Math.
