Mathematics is fun for many children, and it is a nightmare to almost same number of children.
While there are tens of possible reason a child could struggle with Mathematics, this post will discuss one major cause, and the possible solutions to the problem.
One reason why children struggle with mathematics is poor teaching.
Children learn best when they can relate with what they are taught. This is probably why a child will know parts of the body before he understands that 2 added to 2 is 4.
Many children learn easily when they are very young. Then the teacher likely uses visual aids such as toys, objects, even fruits, to teach counting, simple addition, simple subtraction, and multiplication.
The problem starts gradually as the child advances in class and the visual aids disappear with nothing to replace them. Mathematics lessons start becoming abstract the more and more, and one day the child realises that he does not understand one thing in Mathematics.
Poor teaching of Mathematics can be described as a teaching Mathematics in a way that disassociates the child from reality. A child could know that two apples added to two apples sums up to four apples, but the same child may find it difficult in Year 5 to solve 2 + y = 4.
What are the possible solutions?
How to improve in Mathematics
No child is born with an extra brain for Mathematics. We at KJOHNSONS ACADEMY believe that every child can be taught to excel in Mathematics. We know that helping a Year 3 child (typically 7-8 years old) who is struggling with Mathematics requires a mix of foundational skill-building, engaging activities, and personalized support. We focus on this year group because it is better to handle the problem at this level than waiting for them to have an examination to write before we take action.
These strategies also apply to children in higher classes, with adaptations based on their level. Yes, you can help a child in higher class to improve in Mathematics too!
- Build the foundation
- Make Learning Engaging
- Build Confidence & Reduce Anxiety
- Use Step-by-Step Problem-Solving Techniques
- Provide Extra Support
Build up the foundation
Think of Mathematics as a building. If you have weak foundation, can you lay heavy structure on such a weak foundation without the building collapsing in weeks? The answer is no. The same is applied to how a child develops in Mathematics.
Help the child to focus on number sense (place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
Use visual aids (number lines, counters, base ten blocks) in teaching the core operations which are Addition, Subtraction, Division, and Multiplication.
Help the child to know how to break problems into small steps to prevent overwhelming them.
Use real-life examples (e.g., counting money, measuring ingredients). For example, you could have him count the number of fruits in a baskets, or count stones, or toys.
Make Learning Engaging
If your child has access to mobile device, you could use games & apps like Mathletics, Prodigy, or Khan Academy to ignite his interest in Mathematics.
Turn math into a game (e.g., board games like Monopoly, Sudoku, puzzles).
The games could incorporate movement (hopscotch for number jumps, flashcard races).
You can also encourage group activities so that the child could learn from peers.
Build Confidence & Reduce Anxiety
As difficult as this may seem to some parents, praise efforts, not just results. Your child counted 8 + 9 to be 19 instead of 17, please be calm and praise his effort. Then ask him to recount.
When you encourage a growth mindset such as “You haven’t mastered it YET!”, the child feels there is hope for him to improve.
Please, keep sessions short and positive to avoid frustration. While you may desire that your child becomes a genius in 3 weeks, please do not overwhelm them with academic activities.
Use Step-by-Step Problem-Solving Techniques
Think of this as a staircase from ground floor to the first floor. Will it be appropriate to expect a person to jump from level 1 to level 10 in one movement? No, it will not be appropriate.
Show how 2 + y = 7 is solved. Break it into steps.
Show different ways to solve problems (e.g., 8+7 can be solved as 8+2+5).
Provide Extra Support
At home, try Daily practice (10-15 minutes is enough).
Use fun worksheets (not just textbooks).
Encourage them to teach someone else (a sibling, stuffed toy, or even you!).
At School:
Request extra help from teachers.
Consider peer tutoring (learning from classmates can be less intimidating).
Use after-school math clubs for extra practice.
You can chat with us to help your child improve in Mathematics.
Your child can become better with the right mentorship and teaching methods.
📌 Consistency is key—daily practice in a stress-free way builds long-term confidence.
📌 Make math meaningful by connecting it to everyday life.
📌 Encourage a positive mindset—math is learnable, not something to fear!