How can you help your child learn to love math?
When it comes to liking school subjects, students often rank math at the bottom of the list. Students report disliking math, not because it is challenging, but because they see it as challenging, abstract, or unrelated to their daily lives. But with the right approach, helping students learn to love math is possible!
Here are nine tips to help students set aside their dislike of the subject, build stronger numeracy skills, and learn to love math.
Nine Tips to Help Students Love Math
1. Make Math Relevant to Everyday Life
Students are more likely to enjoy math when they see its practical applications. As a parent, you can integrate math into daily activities, such as: Measuring ingredients while cooking, comparing prices while shopping, calculating time and distance on a road trip, or managing a small budget or allowance.
By connecting math to real-world experiences, students learn to see its value beyond the classroom.
2. Encourage a Growth Mindset
A fixed mindset can make students believe they are simply “bad at math.” Encouraging a growth mindset helps them understand that ability improves with effort and practice. Praise persistence over perfection and remind students that mistakes are a natural part of learning
3. Make Math Interactive and Fun
Gamifying math can make learning more engaging and help students fall in love with math. Math-related games, puzzles, and apps provide hands-on experiences that reinforce skills in a fun way. Popular options include Prodigy, Khan Academy, or Math Playground.
4. Create a Personalized Approach
Not all students learn the same way. Some may benefit from visual aids, while others prefer hands-on activities. Consider different approaches, such as graphs, charts, and color-coded equations for visual learners; using songs to memorize formulas for auditory learners; incorporating physical activities like building models or using manipulatives for kinaesthetic learners.
5. Choose a Math Role Model
Many students associate math with difficulty rather than success. Highlighting role models—such as scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs who use math in exciting ways—can help shift their perspective. Additionally, parents who display a positive attitude toward math set a strong example. If you show that you love math, it could help your child love math, too!
6. Transform Complex Problems into Simple Ones
Large math problems can feel overwhelming for many students. Take some time to teach your children how to tackle math step by step: First, identify what the problem is asking. Next, break the problem into smaller, manageable steps. Then, solve one part at a time. Finally, review work. Breaking large problems into small steps helps students reduce stress and manage math frustration.
7. Uncover Learning Opportunities
When students struggle with math, it’s important to address their concerns with patience and support. Instead of seeing mistakes as failures, treat them as opportunities to learn and grow. Encouraging resilience can help students develop a positive attitude toward challenges.
8. Learn Collaboratively
Group activities and peer tutoring can make math more engaging. Working together allows students to explain concepts in their own words, reinforce their understanding, and learn from different perspectives.
9. Celebrate Every Success
Acknowledging small achievements can help build confidence. Whether it’s mastering multiplication tables, improving test scores, or successfully solving a tough problem, celebrating progress keeps motivation high.
Help Students Love Math at GradePower Learning
Helping students develop a love for math requires patience, creativity, and encouragement. By making math relevant, engaging, and accessible, parents can help their children build confidence and enjoy the learning process.
With the right strategies, every student has the potential to succeed in math and appreciate its importance in everyday life. If your child is struggling with math, we can help!
Find a GradePower Learning location and enroll today!
