Is your child struggling with maths? Are you wondering if your child is capable of learning it? Well, the reality is that they can learn maths, and the fact that you may have struggled with maths at school does not mean your kid will have the same problems. Moreover, according to research, it emerges that children acquire certain skills at a young age which are closely related to basic maths skills. For example, kids gain a grasp of the concept of division because they understand how to share items equally among themselves.
What are some of the reasons all children don’t learn maths?
If all children are capable of learning maths, then one question that lingers in many people’s minds is why then can’t some children seem to learn this discipline? There are several barriers to the learning of maths by children, and they often have to do with the environment or the adults who support them. Below are some of the barriers to children learning maths:
· Teachers or adults not being maths literate — unless the teachers helping kids learn maths are themselves maths literate, then they cannot adequately teach them. Children can only learn maths if their teachers and other people engaged in teaching them the discipline have confidence in the subject matter that they are teaching.
· Poor or unsuitable teaching methods— if the teachers do not implement appropriate methods and teaching aids to communicate the important concepts in maths, the children will not adequately grasp them, and it will be a struggle for them to learn. Luckily, using well-designed materials such as the workbooks Cazoom Maths offers can make learning the discipline easier.
· Wrong mindset — a child’s mindset can affect their ability to learn maths and the overall outcome of their education. If a child believes that they have the ability, they are more likely to learn maths, than a kid who holds that they can’t do it
· Weak foundation— if a child’s foundational skills are weak, say they have not developed basic skills such as number recognition, counting, and others, they will find it difficult to learn more advanced concepts.
· Learning disabilities— although every child is capable of learning maths, some may have difficulties because they have specific learning disabilities such as dyscalculia. Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that interferes with an individual’s understanding of maths or number-based information
· Negative maths-related experiences— some children may have had negative experiences with the subject and this can affect their learning because they have developed a negative attitude towards the subject.
How to help children learn maths?
Because every child is capable of learning maths, it is vital to know how teachers and those assisting children to learn can help kids learn. Here are some tips that can help:
· Using relatable or real-life examples— children can learn maths easily when teachers link the concepts with practical examples in everyday life. For example, using the concept of sharing sweets or other things to teach division.
· Making learning maths fun— to make maths lessons more exciting, teachers and other people helping kids can include games and activities.
· Providing clear explanations— children learn maths in a better way when the teachers clarify the logic behind maths procedures and concepts.
· Providing positive reinforcement— when kids are successful or show effort in maths, encouraging them or offering positive reinforcement can help them become better in the learning area. On the other hand, supporting them where they are struggling can help them learn.
· Using technology— apps, videos and other innovations can help children to learn maths.
Conclusion
Every child is indeed capable of learning maths. However, it’s crucial to bear in mind that each child is unique and the teacher may need to use different approaches to help them learn. Patience and persistence are vital when helping children to learn maths—and other subjects too.
