Maths Anxiety: How to Conquer It

Does your child dread maths lessons? If so, they might be experiencing maths anxiety. This common issue can impact learning and confidence, making it harder for children to excel in Primary Maths and school assessments. Watch for these telltale signs:

• Avoids maths at all costs, coming up with excuses to skip math class or tuition. During lessons, they may zone out, stop trying, or appear disengaged.

• Gets so overwhelmed during maths exams that they forget what they’ve learnt, needing extra time and support to get through.

• Shows physical signs of stress like crying, biting their nails, sweating, or even trembling when tackling maths problems.

• Engages in negative self-talk: “I’m terrible at maths” or “I’ll never get this.”

• Struggles to score well in maths, even when trying their best.

What Is Maths Anxiety?

Maths anxiety is more than just disliking maths—it’s a real emotional and physical response that disrupts performance. It’s defined as “a feeling of tension and anxiety that interferes with one’s ability to work with numbers and solve problems in both academic and everyday life.”

Surprisingly, maths anxiety can affect children as young as six years old! Research shows a strong link between maths anxiety and lower test scores, making it essential to address early. The good news? With the right support, children can overcome their fears and develop a positive relationship with math—whether in Primary Maths tuition or in the classroom.

What Causes Maths Anxiety?

Children’s attitudes toward maths are often shaped by their environment. If parents or teachers express negativity about maths, children may develop similar fears. A study found that students taught by maths-anxious teachers tend to perform poorly on maths tests.

Another common cause of maths anxiety is falling behind in class. When children struggle to keep up, they may feel frustrated and discouraged, leading to a belief that they are simply “not good” at maths. Over time, this mindset can lower their confidence and impact their performance in school. The right support system—such as structured and engaging maths tuition classes—can help children rebuild their confidence and excel in the subject.

How to Help Your Child Overcome Maths Anxiety

• Turn Anxiety into Positivity: Teach your child to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities. Encourage them with affirmations like, “Mistakes help me grow,” or “I can learn maths at my own pace.” Help them understand that maths doesn’t require perfection—it’s about persistence.

• Stay Calm and Supportive: When your child gets frustrated, stay patient. Let them express their feelings, listen attentively, and reassure them. Encourage them to ask questions when they’re stuck, creating a safe space to learn.

• Make Maths Fun and Relevant: Show how maths connects to real life! Let your child calculate prices during a supermarket trip or handle money at checkout. These simple, hands-on experiences build confidence and make maths less intimidating.

Supporting Children in Their Maths Journey

Overcoming maths anxiety requires a combination of patience, encouragement, and structured learning approaches. Research-backed teaching methods, such as the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach, have been shown to help students grasp concepts progressively, reinforcing understanding before moving on to more complex problem-solving.

Regular practice and guided support also play a crucial role in building confidence. By engaging in problem-solving and interactive learning experiences, students develop a growth mindset that helps them navigate challenges with greater ease.

For students preparing for PSLE, targeted coaching in P6 Maths Tuition can further strengthen their problem-solving strategies and reinforce key concepts. Having a supportive learning environment allows students to build resilience and cultivate a positive attitude towards maths.

By fostering a nurturing and encouraging approach to maths learning, children can gradually shift from anxiety to confidence, transforming their experience with numbers into one of curiosity and success.

Together, we can transform maths from a source of stress into an opportunity for growth. Let’s help your child discover the joy of maths by trying a class with us!