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Is your child struggling with math, avoiding the subject whenever possible, or getting anxious when it's time for a math lesson?
Is your child struggling with math, avoiding the subject whenever possible, or getting anxious when it's time for a math lesson?
Math anxiety is a very real condition and it can interfere with a child's learning process and attitude about math. The good news is that math anxiety can be managed. Struggling with math might be associated with math anxiety or there might be unaddressed learning gaps and/or learning challenges that, when addressed, will reduce the struggle associated with learning math.
The following articles provide insight into math anxiety and they explain why some students struggle with math. Click the button(s) below to read the article(s) that interest you.
The following articles provide insight into math anxiety and they explain why some students struggle with math. Click the button(s) below to read the article(s) that interest you.
Mild stress when learning can actually help a student be more productive. However, when anxiety interferes with learning and causes avoidance or loss of interest in learning, that is a more serious issue. This introductory are from Understood.com provides insight into the phenomenon of math anxiety, which interferes with learning.
If you witness your child struggling with math, it can be troubling. The truth is, struggling in math seldom means the student is not trying. Avoiding math today does not mean the student has not attempted to complete math assignments in the past. At least one underlying (and unaddressed) issue is typically the root of the struggle that you are observing. This article from Understood.com takes a deep dive into possible root causes of math struggles. Take a look.
Sometimes an underlying learning difference like dyscalculia is the root cause of math challenges. Understood.com's article explains what dyscalculia is. Then it compares math anxiety with dyscalculia so that you can distinguish between the two.*
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* NOTE:
Not all learning challenges in math are caused by dyscalculia. Many students simply have a weak foundation in math from lower elementary grades.
No matter the cause, if your child is struggling in math and has difficulty with counting, calculation, computation, number reversal, etc., consider (re)visiting the topic Instructional Assistance in Reading and Math to learn more about the services UVA provides. We can assist so that the underlying cause can be identified and addressed.
- If you are at home to observe your child when math lessons are underway and some of the articles struck a chord for you, please follow up with the appropriate parties at our school to get assistance.
- If you are seldom present when your child completes math lessons, and your child's grades or pacing in math (compared to other subjects) suggest that there might be something going on that needs to be addressed, have a calm and supportive conversation with your child about what he or she is experiencing so that you can have a better understanding of your child's attitude about and experiences with math. Consider being neutral in your responses so that your own biases about math (positive or negative) do not cloud or exacerbate an underlying issue. Then follow up with the appropriate parties at our school for assistance.
Math does not have to be anxiety-producing, but it can be and it is for lots of students.
Let us help by informing us of your observations.
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