We at Hodgepodge welcome Teaching Textbooks today to share answers for math phobia…
How can you deal with a fear of math if your child has it? Don’t believe the lie that math is just a natural talent for the select few. Here are eight things you can do to improve your approach to homeschooling math and conquer math phobia.
8 Ways to Conquer Math Phobia
1-Face your anxiety. The first step is to face any anxiety about math. Don’t ignore it. Don’t let them try to fake their way through it. Don’t let them give up. Instead, stop avoiding it. Help them stay with it. Just take one day at a time and persevere.
2-Be positive toward math. The next step is an attitude change. Start talking positively to your child about math. Build them up. Turn math into a challenge and congratulate them when they do well. Use powerful Bible verses, if those help, as well.
3-Slow down. Don’t let them rush through math problems. Instead, have them mull each one over. If it’s a tough word problem, read it several times. Write down key facts with your child and look at them carefully. Brainstorm a little. Take your time on word problems. Be patient. If a problem is particularly tough, they may not be able to figure it out on the first try. Come back to it later with a new perspective and they may get it then.
4-Get the basics down first. Don’t be afraid to go back over the basics with your student. There may be some learning gaps that are the root of all their problems. This shouldn’t be embarrassing. If they have learning gaps, you don’t necessarily have to redo an entire course. You might just need to review where they’re weak. Arithmetic is not easy. The concepts underlying arithmetic are extremely deep. In fact, the smarter students are, the more questions they should have about arithmetic.
Keep calm and homeschool on 📚 Teaching multiple ages is SO much easier with Teaching Textbooks. Our math curriculum for 3rd, 5th, 9th and 12th grades! Great for our auditory and visual learners. More on how this tool has blessed our homeschool at Hodgepodge.
5-Find the way they learn best. What kind of learner are they? Some people are visual learners and others need manipulatives. Some are audio learners and others are a great readers and prefer to read a written explanation. Find what works best for them. Have them do their work in a good environment that allows them to concentrate and take frequent breaks.
6-Inject humor. Next, inject some humor in your math studies. Humor defuses a lot of tension with math. It also takes out some of the seriousness and makes it less intimidating. If you have to, make up your own humor. Instead of a word problem that describes car A chasing car B, make it the coyote chasing the road runner. With humor, math ceases to be as serious.
7-Use role models. Role models can be extremely helpful. They can counteract a negative social environment and really motivate a student. You’ve probably heard the story that Edison’s teacher considered him to be mentally handicapped. Einstein also had some trouble in school too. Obviously, both of these men overcame those negative stigmas.
8-Connect it to the real world. Finally, connect math to the real world and to your child’s career aspirations. If they want to become a physical therapist, spend a little time researching what math courses are required. Relating math to everyday life can help a student overcome math phobia.
Most importantly, don’t give up. You can do it, if you just don’t quit.
Be sure to head over to Teaching Textbooks for free placement tests and to explore all the math options we love.
Shannon Wallace says
I only wish that I would have purchased TT a couple of years ago! It’s a near perfect fit for our son. I highly recommend it to any homeschool family! In fact, my friend just ordered and started using it because I raved so much about it! 🙂
Hodgepodgemom says
I agree! It was THE answer for us at just the right time – with so many ages. It was and is how we get math done. I love all the fun TT adds to our day with the examples and lectures.
Anna says
But where did you get that coffee mug????
Hodgepodgemom says
That was a giveaway from Teaching Textbooks!