How to Avoid the Fear of Mathematics in Primary School: 5 Hacks for Your Child

Math is commonly taught as a judgmental subject in schools and private. However, the extra pressure students experience at an early age is due to the black-and-white concept of mathematics. When it is about mathematics, it will either be yes or no. When giving wrong answers, children are told that they have done the wrong thing, and that is what they do not like to hear in common.

According to Mark H. Ashcraft, math anxiety is –

“a feeling of tension, apprehension, or fear that interferes with math performance”

As a result, students try to avoid situations that lead them to perform mathematics and calculations. Continuous fear and avoidance lead to less practice and exposure. As a result, competency among students decreases, and they become reluctant to participate in math-related events like exams and classes.

Therefore, the fear of mathematics appears at an early age when students are mostly in primary schools. As parents, your primary school interventions for your child become essential. Focus on their skills gaps, help them overcome fear, and ask them to enjoy the subject.

1. Make Math Fun with Games

Children are more likely to engage with subjects they find enjoyable. Incorporate math into fun activities and games. Board games like Monopoly involve counting and money management. Online platforms and apps designed for learning math through play can also make a significant difference.

Engaging in math-related games solidifies their understanding and creates positive associations with math.

2. Use Real-World Examples

Show your child how math is applicable in everyday life. Whether it’s measuring ingredients while cooking, budgeting for a small shopping trip, or counting change, real-world applications of math can help demystify the subject.

Create scenarios that require them to solve problems and encourage them to ask questions about the math they encounter in their daily routines.

3. Create a Positive Learning Environment

A supportive atmosphere is crucial for learning. Ensure that your child feels safe and comfortable when tackling math problems. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and provide encouragement when they face challenges.

Avoid expressing frustration or disappointment with their progress, as this can increase anxiety. Instead, focus on the effort they are putting in and the progress they are making.

4. Encourage a Growth Mindset

Teach your child that making mistakes is a natural part of learning. Foster a growth mindset by framing challenges as opportunities to improve and learn. Praise persistence over perfection.

Encourage them to articulate their thought processes while solving problems. It is not about going through it but knowing it.

Therefore, it reinforces the understanding of concepts among children and lets them find answers themselves.

5. Seek Support with Primary School Maths Tuition

Apart from everything that you have covered for your child at their primary stage, what is missing from your cue?

Well, it is the help of experts in a personalized manner. Consider a primary school maths tuition for them to allow them to learn key skills of mathematics in their free time.

Private tutors are efficient in dealing with the insecurities and the key problems children face. They spend time privately with the students, and thus, they can understand the real issues with students.

When it comes to mathematics, every student needs special attention. If you consider math tuition for your children at the primary stage, they will be able to remove their skills gaps and become efficient with mathematics forever.

Let Your Child Understand Mathematics

The fear of mathematics doesn’t have to persist throughout your child’s education. By implementing these five hacks, you can cultivate a more positive relationship with math for your child. Remember, the goal is to make math an engaging and enjoyable experience, paving the way for a lifelong appreciation of numbers and problem-solving. With patience, support, and the right resources, your child can learn to love math rather than fear it.

The fear and anxiety related to mathematics are not the reality. And you need to let your child realize it. But how?

Well, you have got some tricks here. Now, all you need to do is to accumulate the steps with care. From finding the perfect private tutor to encouraging them to do math in a fun way, everything is going to be customized by your child.

The moment they start understanding math problems, they will find solutions themselves.