Math anxiety is a real thing. It is that anxious feeling and tension one gets from being faced with a perplexing mathematical question. For individuals still in school, this can have a great impact on their lives.
Anxiety can make learning mathematics a lot harder. However, it is important to take steps to combat math anxiety in order to acquire mathematical skills. Mathematical skills help not only in academics but also in life.
If you are looking for ways to make learning math easier, here are some tips that can help you and your child on your journey. Continue reading to learn more.
Use Math Learning Apps
Most people nowadays own smart devices such as phones and tablets, which can be a distraction when not used properly. Even children have their own smart devices. Because of this, you will want to put them to good use by downloading math learning apps.
These mobile apps can let you or your child practice key operations and concepts on a mobile device. The best thing about these applications is that the best ones incorporate attractive graphics and stories that make learning more fun and exciting.
Just head on to the Apple app store or the Google Play store and search for mathematical learning apps. If you are not sure where to start, you might want to check out an app called Prodigy Math Game. It is catered to 1st grade students up to 8th grade students.
It provides a personalized experience for users as it focuses on strengths and weaknesses, while practicing and maintaining skills your child has already mastered. Moreover, lessons are tailored to your child’s grade level.
Take Extra Math Lessons
If your child has math anxiety, you can bet that they are not getting the most out of their in-school experience. Because of this, you may want to address such anxieties so that they can learn optimally in school.
To do this, you might want to encourage them to take extra lessons, preferably one-on-one. You can do this by yourself or hire a tutor for your child. This way, they will benefit from a more focused instruction. Moreover, they will be able to further practice their skills.
Check Errors
Whether you hire a tutor or you are teaching your child yourself, try to ascertain what aspects of math your child is struggling with most. In doing so, this will help offer a solution for them instead of moving along without correcting such errors.
This way, they will understand the correct procedure and proceed to apply the correct method the next time they work on those types of problems in the future. And, of course, practice makes perfect, so your child may need to work on problems they have trouble with consistently to help them learn from their mistakes.
Understand Real World Applications
Now, you are probably aware of how problem solving and critical thinking are major factors in learning mathematics. Being aware of how problem solving and critical thinking factor into math may help to use those skills in real life situations.
For example, if your child is learning about addition, you can use everyday situations as a scenario. Try asking your child how many apples they would have if they have 2 apples and they receive 3 more. You can also involve money or other things that are easy to count.
Conclusion
Learning math can be intimidating to some. With these methods, you can help your child learn mathematics. These tools will help your child acquire math skills, while also equipping them with valuable skills for their everyday lives when they grow up.
