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.
-
Understand your child's math 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.
-
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.
-
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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