Why Do Kids Struggle with Math and How Can We Help Them

Math can be a challenging subject for many children. While some kids seem to breeze through mathematical concepts, others often feel overwhelmed and frustrated. Understanding the reasons behind these struggles is essential for parents, educators, and anyone involved in a child's learning journey. In this post, we will explore common challenges kids face in math and provide practical strategies to help them succeed.

The Fear Factor

One of the major reasons kids struggle with math is the fear of failure. Many children develop anxiety around math due to negative past experiences, such as poor grades or critical feedback from teachers. Research shows that around 30% of students report feeling math anxiety, which creates a mental block that makes it hard for them to engage with the subject.

To combat this fear, it is vital to create a supportive environment. Encourage a growth mindset by celebrating the idea that mistakes are part of learning. For instance, if your child makes an error in math homework, take a moment to review it together and highlight what they did correctly before discussing what went wrong. This approach not only builds confidence but also encourages resilience in facing challenges.

A math workbook filled with engaging illustrations and exercises

Learning Styles

Every child has a unique learning style. Some might excel with visual learning, while others could prefer auditory or kinesthetic methods. Traditional teaching methods often focus on a limited range of styles, which can leave some children struggling to keep up. For instance, studies indicate that about 65% of students are visual learners.

To help your child, observe how they learn best. If they are visual learners, try incorporating diagrams and colourful charts into their study routine. For auditory learners, consider using songs or rhymes to teach math concepts like multiplication tables. Kinesthetic learners may thrive with hands-on activities, such as using physical objects like blocks to solve problems.

Lack of Foundational Skills

Math is a cumulative subject, meaning each new concept builds on previous knowledge. If a child struggles with foundational skills, such as addition and subtraction, they may find it hard to tackle more advanced topics like multiplication or division. According to educational experts, nearly 40% of fourth graders in the U.S. perform below the basic level in math.

To address this issue, assess your child's understanding of basic math concepts. If they are struggling, consider revisiting these foundational skills via engaging games, flashcards, or online resources. Reinforcing these basics can provide the confidence they need to progress.

The Role of Language

Math often feels like a language of its own, filled with symbols and terminology that can bewilder young learners. Children who face reading challenges may struggle especially with math problems, particularly word problems that require strong comprehension skills. About 20% of children in the U.S. experience reading difficulties.

To help bridge this gap, encourage your child to read math problems aloud. This practice can improve their understanding and help them break down complex problems into manageable parts. Additionally, using everyday language to explain math ideas can make them more relatable and easier to understand.

A vibrant classroom equipped with various math learning tools and resources

The Importance of Practice

Like any skill, math requires practice. However, many children may not have enough opportunities to practice outside of school. This lack of reinforcement can lead to gaps in understanding and self-esteem. Data shows that consistent practice can improve math performance by up to 50%.

Support your child's math practice by integrating math into daily activities. For example, while grocery shopping, have them count items or calculate discounts. While cooking, encourage them to measure ingredients accurately. Real-life applications can make math more engaging and relevant. Additionally, consider using interactive online games that provide a fun way to practice skills.

Cognitive and Executive Function Skills

Here are the key skills maths needs, and how it shows up when they’re weak:

• Working Memory 🧩What it does: Holds steps in your head while solving a problem.At home, you’ll see: Your child forgets the second or third step of a maths sum, even if they got the first one right.

• Attention 🎯What it does: Keeps focus long enough to follow through with multi-step problems.At home, you’ll see: They get distracted halfway, make “careless mistakes,” or give up before finishing.

• Visual & Spatial Processing 👀What it does: Helps them see how numbers, shapes, and patterns fit together.At home you’ll see: Struggles with place value, aligning numbers, geometry, or even reading graphs.

• Processing Speed ⏱️What it does: Lets them keep up when the teacher moves quickly.At home you’ll see: They understand when you explain slowly, but fall apart under time pressure or tests.

• Impulse Control ✋What it does: Stops them from rushing to the first answer that pops into their head.At home you’ll see: They blurt out answers without checking their work, or constantly hear, “You just need to slow down.”

👉 When these skills are weak, no amount of extra worksheets will fix the frustration. The good news? Cognitive skills can be trained and strengthened. That’s where Biolink comes in. We don’t just help kids cope with maths — we equip their brains with the skills to finally get it.

Finding the Right Support

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a child may still face difficulties with math. In such cases, seeking additional support can be beneficial. Tutors, after-school programs, or specialised online resources can provide personalised assistance tailored to your child's needs.

When looking for support, consider your child's learning style and preferences. A tutor who understands their unique challenges can make a significant difference in their confidence and understanding of math. For instance, one-on-one tutoring can boost performance and motivation, leading to improvements in grades by as much as 30%.

A Path Forward

Understanding why kids struggle with math is the first step to helping them overcome these challenges. By addressing fear, recognising learning styles, reinforcing foundational skills, identifying the cognitive skills needed, and providing ample practice opportunities, we can create a supportive environment that nurtures a love for math.

Remember, every child learns at their own pace. With the right tools and encouragement, they can develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in math. Together, let's work to make math a subject that children not only understand but also enjoy!