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Math
is indeed one tough cookie that just won't crumble,
and both parents and children would definitely attest
to this. How many of you parents can confidently
say that you aced math class back then? If not too
many of you can say that you're confident you aced
math class during your time, then chances are, your
kids are going through the same rough patch today.
Let us
face it; math is really one difficult subject -
particularly because you do not really memorize
the concepts discussed in class. You do not just
memorize how to do mathematical operations with
fractions, for instance. Rather, you need to work
through the different operations, understand the
logic behind these operations, and then apply these
concepts. Math is far from being a mere theoretical
subject, which makes it one of the difficult obstacles
in school, and thereby creating math anxiety in
students.
Moreover,
there are so many other reasons why a lot of students
literally "fear" math. It could be associated with
traditional teaching methods in the classroom, for
example. Or, negative experiences could be coined
with the class. Your son might have been called
upon to answer a problem on the blackboard in front
of the whole class and he was not able to answer
it correctly. If not given the needed encouragement,
this could become a traumatic experience for any
child, thereby leading to math anxiety building
up. Still, there are several ways for you to help
your child overcome math anxiety.
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Understand your child's anxiety
For this,
you must take participative action in your child's
bout with math. Most of the time, what you need
to do, as a parent, is to change how math is being
taught to your child. A lot of times, the classroom
setting in school does not really provide an encouraging
atmosphere. There will certainly be times when your
child would be ridiculed for not being able to answer
a math problem correctly. This should be changed,
and both parents and teachers should foster the
needed change. If your child does not get a problem
right, you should still encourage him nonetheless,
explaining what he did wrong, as well as how the
problem should be solved. Make the child feel that
he can approach you anytime he needs to, for questions
and further clarifications. Your child must feel
that you are there to help him.
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Lighten the atmosphere with games
Your
child is already dealing with tremendous pressure
at school. The last thing he would need is pressure
from his parents as well. It is quite normal for
parents to be worried about our children's progress,
thus unknowingly pressuring our children to do better
as well. This is actually the complete opposite
of what you should do.
Additional
pressure just won't help your child get over his
fear of math. As a parent, you should do something
to lighten the atmosphere - and what better way
to brighten the mood than to play games? There are
lots of math games that you can play with your child,
including Battleship, cards, Dominoes, and more.
You can even include household chores that would
involve some measurement skills, like sewing, home
repairs, and even cooking.
Of course,
you should choose games that are relevant to the
math skill that you want to inculcate in your child.
Make a list of the math skills you want to focus
on so that you can mix and match your math games
well. Lastly, make sure you give your child positive
feedback. This will do wonders because you would
actually be encouraging your child to do better,
thereby slowly getting over math anxiety. In the
end, your child will realize that math can indeed
be fun.
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Prepare your child for upcoming math tests
Once
you notice your child getting that much-needed confidence
boost, you can then start preparing him for his
upcoming math tests. Practice makes perfect here
and in this case, practice can really help him understand
the mathematical concepts better. Make sure to prepare
practice tests for your child to take. Incorporate
the concepts that he needs to master as thoroughly
as possible.
Still,
do not make the mistake of straining your child
with too much practice. This would force your child
to cram and cramming never does any child any good.
When a student resorts to cramming, he ends up memorizing
concepts rather than focusing on understanding them.
Thus, make sure that the test questions you prepare
are not too difficult.
Preparation
does not entail just practice tests. It also entails
plenty of rest, especially the night before the
big day. Getting enough sleep not only gives your
brain cells the rest they need, it also makes you
feel refreshed and to take on anything the next
day.
Lastly,
make sure you prefer a healthy and hearty breakfast
for your child, to get him more energized for the
tough day ahead.
Do not
expect your child to get rid of his math anxiety
after just one try at all these preparations. Chances
are, it would take a few more tests for him to finally
rid himself of math anxiety. However, as long as
you maintain a set routine and your efforts are
focused on doing just that, your child's level of
anxiety would significantly reduce over time.
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