7 Simple Ways To Decrease Math Anxiety

Dec 1, 2015 by Yolanda Fontanez-Coleman | Academic Subjects, Math, Study Tips

Does your child struggle with math? Does math homework or math tests cause your child tension and stress? There are many ways to reduce math anxiety for your child. Here are 7 simple ways that will decrease your child’s math anxiety and create a positive learning experience in math.

Practice More Math:
The more time you spend on practicing math the better you will become. Just like the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” Therefore, spend some time each day on skills that you need more practice. For example, if you struggle with addition spend time on studying your addition facts. Give yourself about 20 minutes each day on this math practice.

Develop Your Math Foundation:
Math skills build upon each other. Each year new concepts are taught however you need to have a strong foundation in order to have continued success. Spend time during your daily math review to practice skills from the previous year. You also want to focus on building automaticity with your math facts.

Understand Math Concepts:
Memorizing facts is important however you need to be able to understand the math material. Developing math strategies is key to success. Anxiety can impede your memory so understanding math and implementing math strategies will create long time math success.

Be Prepared:
Preparing for math tests should consist of planning in advance. When you are given a test date work backwards from that date and plan out your study time. You should spend enough time every day to prepare well for your test. Cramming for tests create more anxiety therefore plan ahead and break down your material into smaller chunks of study time.

Establish a Math Dictionary:
Develop the practice of writing all math vocabulary into a notebook. Refer to this math dictionary when you study or when doing homework. Study your math vocabulary weekly so you gain an understanding of math concepts. This will strengthen your math knowledge.

Ask Questions:
Asking questions is wonderful way to clarify any uncertainties you may have. Asking questions also promotes discussion which deepens your understanding of math concepts and problems.

Join or Create a Study Group:
Working in study groups is an excellent way to practice your math skills. Partnering with someone who has a stronger math background is beneficial. They can work with you in further understanding the math concepts.

Decrease your math anxiety with repeated math practice to strengthen your math foundation. Being well prepared will also decrease math anxiety. Building your math confidence will decrease your math anxiety while increasing your math success.

How do you help your child handle math stress?

 

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