Some kids are naturally great at math, while others find the subject to be extremely challenging. Interestingly, research shows that despite having normal intelligence, 3-6% of all children have severe math difficulties. The good news is that anyone can learn how to get better at math with a few easy steps and repeated practice!
How to Get Better at Math
Help your child or student overcome their math struggles and set them up for long-term success with these 9 tried and true methods.
1. Master the fundamentals
It’s impossible to be good at advanced concepts like algebra and geometry unless you’ve learned the basics. The fundamentals of math include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These are the 4 arithmetic operations that set a solid foundation for other mathematical processes.
Give opportunities for a child to practice these fundamentals in real-life situations. It can be as simple as challenging them to count the number of cars they see during a road trip or asking them to share snacks evenly among other kids at a party (which requires division).
2. Understand the concept - Don’t memorize
Memorization can be valuable in terms of gaining information for later use, but keep in mind that it’s different from truly understanding the subject matter. A downside of relying on memorization is that it leaves very little room for problem-solving and creativity.
Here are tips to deepen a child’s understanding of math:
- Ask them to get familiar with formulas. Compare math problems from different textbooks. Get your child to answer these problems instead of skipping those they’re not comfortable with.
- Use visual aids to make abstract concepts more tangible. These visual aids include blocks, toys, and other items at home.
- Make math engaging by turning a lesson into a song, game, joke, or bedtime story! For example, when using a song, pick a nursery rhyme that your child loves. Change the lyrics to suit the math concepts and add fun movements!
3. Practice regularly
Math doesn’t have to be confined to the four walls of a classroom. To keep everything fresh, a child needs to practice their newly acquired math skills no matter the place and time.
Let’s say you and your child spend time in nature (in your garden or at a park). Have them perform random tasks, such as calculating the area of a garden bed or collecting a handful of pebbles to practice addition or subtraction.
For a structured practice routine, consider having your child answer math worksheets. Math apps are also helpful!
4. Challenge yourself
Assuming that your child has mastered the fundamentals, slowly increase the difficulty of the math concepts and problems. Make sure to offer just the right level of challenge to keep them engaged while preventing discouragement.
Once in a while, challenge your child to do “mental math.” This means doing math in their heads without using a calculator or a pen and paper.
If they make a mistake answering more challenging problems, let them know that mistakes are a part of learning.
5. Identify learning gaps
Math learning gaps are lessons or skills that a student has failed to master for different reasons. Perhaps they missed school because they fell sick or the teacher failed to sufficiently explain the math concept. In some cases, a teacher may have rushed to explain things without making sure that students understood them.
Although it’s important to tailor the teaching pace to every student’s needs, this isn’t always possible in real classroom settings.
Parents can fill in these learning gaps by hiring a tutor for personalized guidance. It also helps to stay in touch with their child’s math teacher to identify areas of concern. Additional support is always available outside the classroom.
6. Explore a variety of math resources
Speaking of extra support, thankfully there are plenty of resources that effectively engage kids. These include:
- Educational websites - You’ll be surprised to know that many Math websites and online teaching communities are free. Some of these sites incorporate games and math riddles.
- Math competitions - Only a few parents consider math competitions. For those who are curious about their benefits, competitions stretch a child’s Math abilities. They encourage them to think outside the box. Not to mention, they gain more confidence!
- Workbooks and worksheets - Math workbooks or worksheets encourage repeated practice. Since these resources feature a variety of exercises, you may want to focus on those that need more attention.
7. Ask questions
Some students who struggle with Math are ashamed to ask questions. Remind your child that asking for help is a proactive approach to learning. Research shows that active participation boosts a student’s motivation and it can support higher-order thinking.
Kids need to realize that teachers appreciate it when students ask questions! If a student is too uncomfortable to ask in front of others, they can approach their teacher privately for clarification.
8. Join math study groups
Collaborative learning opens your child to different perspectives on solving math problems. Since study groups are considered social activities, most kids will find the experience enjoyable. Moreover, working with peers can make the subject less intimidating.
If your child refuses to join an in-person study group even after you’ve explained the benefits, online study groups are also an option.
9. Consider additional help from experienced math tutors
Math tutoring is all about providing personalized guidance through one-on-one sessions. A good tutor identifies a child’s strengths and weaknesses in Math, simplifies difficult concepts, and instills confidence by celebrating the child’s progress.
When it comes to frequency, one-hour sessions twice per week help reinforce learning. Kids with busy weekday schedules may benefit from weekend sessions. During weekends, children are likely to focus better since they feel more refreshed.
Get Better at Math Today!
Although Math is an amazing subject, we understand that it isn’t always easy for a lot of kids. If your child feels lost or doesn’t show interest, know that there’s hope.
Set them up for success using the tips in this guide. Remember that these aren’t quick fixes — consistent practice and application are keys. Help your child get started by checking out our math learning worksheets!
