We’ve all been there – the homework battle. It’s especially common when the subject on the table is maths. You’re not alone if your child is resisting or even dreading their maths homework. But don’t worry, we’ve got some strategies up our sleeve to help transform maths from a chore into an engaging, enjoyable task.
Empathise with their maths homework struggles
Start by acknowledging your child’s feelings. When parents empathise with their child’s struggles, they communicate a critical message: “I see you, I understand your challenges, and I’m here to help you.” Ask open-ended questions to understand their difficulties better and offer reassurances that you’re there to support them, not judge them.
Empathising with your child’s maths homework struggles might seem like a small step, but it can set the foundation for a more positive learning experience. By fostering a supportive and understanding environment, you’re not just helping them with their current maths homework; you’re equipping them with the confidence and resilience to tackle future challenges.
Break it down
A large maths homework assignment can appear daunting. This daunting feeling can lead to anxiety, procrastination, or even complete avoidance of the task. However, by employing a method of ‘Chunking’ — breaking it down into smaller, manageable chunks — can make the task feel less overwhelming and more achievable.
This process reduces the cognitive load, making it easier for the brain to process information. In the context of maths homework, chunking could involve breaking down a maths worksheet and tackling a few questions at a time, or simplifying a complex problem into smaller steps.
Make maths relevant
Show your child how the maths they’re learning applies to real life. If they’re working on addition and subtraction, involve them in calculating the total cost of groceries. When learning measurements, show them how this could be applied to measuring ingredients for a recipe. If they’re figuring out time, let them work out what time they’ll finish homework if they work on it for 30 mins. There are countless ways maths is used daily. By making these connections, it can instil a sense of relevance and curiosity about maths.
Create a positive learning environment
Ensure your child has a quiet, comfortable place to do their homework. Minimise distractions and make sure they have all the necessary supplies. Sometimes, simply improving the physical environment can enhance a child’s attitude towards homework.
Incorporate their interests
Use your child’s interests to make maths more engaging. For a child who loves sports, use statistics from their favourite game to create maths problems. If they love art, incorporate geometry into their artwork. If they love animals, find maths worksheets that are about animals. Making maths personally interesting can increase their motivation to learn.
Encourage a Growth Mindset
Promote the idea that “mistakes are okay” and “effort leads to growth.” Encourage your child to see challenges as opportunities to learn, rather than obstacles. This mindset can reduce maths anxiety and increase their willingness to try.
Seek Professional Help if Necessary
If your child continues to struggle with maths despite your best efforts, consider seeking help from a maths tutor or educational therapist. Sometimes, a little extra support can make a big difference.
Remember, every child is different, and it’s okay to try different strategies until you find what works best for your little one. Above all, keep the focus on learning and growing, rather than on achieving perfect scores. With patience, understanding, and a little creativity, you can help your child see maths in a new, more positive light. Happy learning!
