Now that the summer is underway, it’s the perfect time for students and parents to assess math performance from the past year and make adjustments before small challenges become bigger obstacles in a new grade.

Whether your child is struggling with basic skills or finding advanced concepts difficult, these practical tips can boost confidence and help students master math throughout the school year!

10 Tips to Help Students Master Math

1. Complete All Homework Assignments

Mastering math starts with math homework. It’s an opportunity to practice and reinforce concepts learned in class. Regular practice helps students develop problem-solving skills and build confidence.

Students who consistently complete their homework are more likely to understand new concepts and perform better on tests and assignments.

2. Attend Every Math Class 

Math is a cumulative subject, meaning new lessons often build on previously learned concepts. Missing even one class can make it difficult to understand future lessons.

Encourage your child to attend class regularly and stay caught up with assignments if they do have to miss school. Try scheduling doctors’ or dentists’ appointments on days that your child doesn’t have math class. 

3. Find a Study Partner

Studying with a friend can make learning more effective and enjoyable. A study partner can:

• Help explain difficult concepts
• Review homework together
• Share notes from missed classes
• Provide encouragement and accountability

Sometimes hearing an explanation from a peer can make a concept click in a way that classroom instruction alone cannot.

4. Build a Positive Relationship with the Teacher

Teachers want students to succeed. Encourage your child to ask questions, participate in class discussions, and seek help when needed.

Regular communication with a teacher shows initiative and can help identify learning gaps before they become larger challenges.

5. Master Math by Learning from Mistakes

Mistakes are among the most valuable learning tools for mastering math.

Instead of focusing only on the correct answer, students should review incorrect homework and test questions to understand where they went wrong. Identifying and correcting errors helps prevent repeating the same mistakes in the future.

6. Get Help Early

One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting too long to seek help.

If your child is struggling with math concepts, don’t wait until report cards arrive. Early intervention can make a significant difference in understanding and confidence.

Working with a math tutor, attending extra help sessions, or seeking additional support can help students overcome challenges before they fall behind.

7. Ask Questions and Ask Again

Many students hesitate to ask questions because they’re worried about speaking up in class. However, asking questions is one of the most effective ways to learn in any subject.

Often, several students share the same question. If your child feels uncomfortable asking during class, encourage them to write down their questions and speak with their teacher afterward.

8. Strengthen Basic Math Skills

Strong foundational skills are important for success in math.

Students should be comfortable with:

• Addition and subtraction
• Multiplication tables
• Division concepts
• Fractions and decimals

When foundational skills are weak, more advanced concepts become significantly more difficult. Regular practice can help strengthen these essential building blocks.

9. Understand the Process, Not Just the Answer

Calculators are useful tools, but they should never replace understanding.

Students should know how and why a calculation works, rather than relying solely on technology to provide answers. Understanding the process behind a solution helps develop critical thinking and prepares students for more advanced mathematical concepts.

10. Create a Math Success Plan

Every student learns differently. Some benefit from extra practice, while others need one-on-one instruction or alternative teaching methods.

Creating a personalized learning plan can help students stay organized, set goals, and track progress throughout the school year.

How 91°”Íű Helps Students Master Math

We help students develop the confidence, skills, and strategies they need to succeed in math. Our personalized programs identify learning gaps, strengthen foundational skills, and teach students how to think critically and solve problems independently.

Whether your child needs help catching up, keeping up, or getting ahead, our experienced educators create customized learning plans that support long-term academic success.

Ready to Help Your Child Build Confidence in Math?

Contact 91°”Íű today to learn more about our personalized math tutoring programs and discover how we can help your child achieve their full potential.

Find a location near you for summer tutoring today!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally posted in 2013 and updated for 2026

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Here are six simple strategies that can help children build confidence and develop stronger math skills outside the classroom.

6 Simple Ways to Make Math Fun

1. Turn Math Into a Game

One of the easiest ways to make math fun and engaging for kids is by turning it into a game. Many traditional board games and card games normally involve counting, strategy, probability, and quick mental math.

For example, games like Yahtzee, card games (see ), and puzzles encourage children to calculate scores, recognize patterns, and think critically.

Family game nights are also a great time to sneak in math while keeping the focus on fun. A little friendly competition with parents or siblings can motivate children to participate and improve their skills without feeling like they are studying.

2. Use Educational Math Apps and Games

Most kids love using technology, so why not make it work for learning?

There are many great math apps and online platforms that reinforce important math concepts through interactive games and challenges.

Popular options recommended by many parents include:

• Prodigy
• Mathville
• IXL

These platforms allow children to practise math skills at their own pace while receiving instant feedback. When used in moderation with traditional education and tutoring, educational apps can be a powerful tool for reinforcing what children are learning.

3. Show Kids How Math Is Used in Everyday Life

A common question children ask or think to themselves is: “When will I ever use this?”

It’s our job as parents, teachers, and tutors to show kids how math shows up in everyday life and help them understand why learning it matters.

Try involving your child in real-world tasks such as:

• Cooking or baking (measuring ingredients using metric units)
• Telling time 
• Checking the temperature
• Handling money
• Estimating the total cost while grocery shopping

Younger children can practise sorting coins or counting items, while older children can help calculate totals or compare prices. These everyday experiences make math fun, practical and meaningful.

4. Be Mindful of How You Talk About Math

Parents often unintentionally influence how children feel about math.

Comments like “I was never good at math” or “You take after me” can reinforce the idea that math ability is fixed or genetic. Instead, try encouraging a growth mindset by emphasizing effort and improvement.

Language matters, too. For example, the word “drill” can make math practice sound unpleasant. Using more positive language, such as “practice,” helps children connect math learning with activities they already understand, like practicing a sport or learning a musical instrument.

The goal is to help children see math challenges as opportunities to grow their thinking skills.

5. Use Your Child’s Teacher and Tutor as a Resource

Teachers and tutors are among the best resources parents have for supporting math learning at home.

Many math programs include suggested games or activities that families can use to enhance current lessons. For example, a simple dinner-table activity like a rotating-spoon game, where kids can practice concepts like quarter turns, half turns, and three-quarter turns.

Teachers may also be able to help you find learning tools, such as:

• Teaching clocks
• Base ten blocks
• Mirrored manipulatives (miras)

If you are unsure how to support your child’s current math topics, don’t hesitate to reach out to 91°”Íű to see how we can help, learn more about our math programs here. 

6. Connect Math and Reading

For children who love reading but feel less confident about math, books can help bridge the gap.

Many authors have created engaging math-focused children’s books that introduce concepts through storytelling and puzzles. For example, authors Greg Tang, Cindy Neuschwander, and Stuart J. Murphy are known for writing books that make math fun and accessible.

Some popular books that explore math concepts include:

• by Cindy Neuschwander
• by Greg Tang
• by Stuart J Murphy

These books help children see math in a fun way and can make learning feel less scary.

Understanding Math Literacy

Just as reading does, math learning follows a developmental process.

When children develop literacy skills, they first learn sounds, then letters, and eventually how those letters form words and meaning. Over time, they build the ability to understand and interpret written language.

Math works in a similar way.

Children begin by learning basic number concepts, patterns, and operations. As they grow, these skills expand into problem-solving, logical reasoning, and real-world applications.

Supporting math literacy at home helps children develop confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills that benefit them throughout their education.

Make Math Fun with 91°”Íű

With a little creativity and encouragement, parents can help children build a positive relationship with math.

Games, technology, everyday activities, and supportive language can all make a difference. When children see math as something useful and even fun, they are far more likely to stay engaged and develop strong skills.

Sometimes a little enthusiasm from parents (even if you have to fake it!) can go a long way toward helping kids enjoy learning math.

If you notice your child is struggling with math, we can help them catch up and make math fun again! 

Find a location near you for all your math needs.

Note: This post was originally published in 2015 and was updated in 2026.

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The most recent shows that:

• Only 51% of Grade 6 students met the provincial math standard
• Just 58% of Grade 9 students reached the expected level in math

These numbers represent a slight improvement over last year; the province has acknowledged that student progress remains “not enough.” In fact, the low results have triggered a system-wide review of Ontario’s curriculum, provincial tests, and classroom resources—a process expected to continue into 2026. Although this data originates from the province of Ontario, these numbers are observed across Canada.

Why This Matters for Families

Large-scale assessments like these don’t just reflect scores; they reflect skills, and those skills directly impact classroom performance, confidence, and long-term academic success.

The concern is simple:
If half of the students are not meeting grade-level expectations in math, many will begin the new year at a disadvantage. As teachers catch up on curriculum demands and class sizes remain high, students with learning gaps risk falling even further behind.

What’s Behind the Results for Math and Reading?

While there could be various reasons for these results, some contributing factors highlighted by educators and policymakers include:

• Curriculum gaps and possible misalignment between what’s taught and what is tested
• Underfunded classroom supports leading to less individualized attention
• Larger class sizes make it harder for teachers to identify and address each student’s needs
• Persistent post-pandemic learning gaps that continue to affect foundational skills

Regardless of the cause, the takeaway is the same: students need stronger, more targeted support, particularly in math and reading.

Why January Is a Critical Turning Point

The post-holiday period is when many students experience a “learning slide.” Returning to school after a long break can reveal academic gaps that were previously overlooked.

Combine this with the assessment results, and January becomes a make-or-break moment:

• Gaps widen quickly
• Report cards are around the corner
• Skills and confidence often dip after the break
• Students may begin to feel discouraged or overwhelmed

Early intervention now in math and reading can prevent a year of catch-up later.

How Extra Support Helps Math and Reading

Targeted academic support does what large classrooms often can’t:

• Builds strong foundational skills
• Addresses specific gaps, one-on-one
• Helps students gain confidence and momentum
• Reinforces curriculum expectations
• Prepares students for the next round of assessments
• Reduces school-related stress for families

Students who receive consistent support in January often show measurable improvement by spring, especially in math and reading, where skill-building is cumulative.

What Families Can Do Next

While school boards and governments work to review curriculum, standards, and testing, students still need help right now. Parents don’t have to wait for system-wide change to give their child a strong academic start to 2026.

Whether your child is:

• Below grade level
• Struggling with confidence
• Doing “okay” but capable of more
• Frustrated by homework and tests

Early, personalized support can change the trajectory of their school year.

91°”Íű Can Help with Math and Reading

At 91°”Íű, we specialize in building stronger thinkers, not just better test-takers.

Our programs help students develop:

• Solid math and reading foundations
• Critical thinking and learning skills
• Confidence and motivation
• Lasting academic independence

With customized programs for every grade and skill level, we help students close gaps, gain momentum, and feel ready for the challenges of the new year.

If your child is feeling the impact of this year’s results, now is the time to act.

Book a free consultation and start the year with confidence.

Find a Location Near You

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While summer is a time for fun and relaxation, it’s also when students are most at risk of forgetting what they’ve learned. Research shows that between 70% and 78% of elementary students experience
Known as the “summer slide,” this learning loss can set students back months, especially in subjects like math. But here’s the good news: keeping math skills sharp over the summer doesn’t have to feel like schoolwork.

Why Summer Math Practice Is So Important

Math is a subject that builds over time. Math skills like multiplication, fractions, and problem-solving are the foundation for future success in school and life. When students take a two-month break from practice, they often return to school needing review instead of preparing for new challenges.

Tutoring for math skills during the summer helps children:

• Retain key math concepts
• Build confidence in their abilities
• Stay ready for back-to-school success

5 Surprising (and Fun!) Ways to Do Math This Summer

1. Math Skills in the Kitchen

Cooking involves measurement, fractions, multiplication, and even division. Ask your child to double or halve a recipe and see how they can manage to do it. They might need a little helping hand, but this is real-world math in action!

2. Take Math on the Road

Math is everywhere, whether it’s a road trip or a walk to the park. During a trip this summer as a family, you can get your kids involved in math by asking them to estimate distances, eg, how far do you think it is from the car to the front door, calculate travel time, or count license plate numbers from different places.

3. Math and Money

Give your child a small allowance or let them “budget” for a summer treat. It is excellent practice to take your child to the grocery store, local ice cream shop, or any local business and have them compare prices, add totals, and calculate change. If they don’t have enough money saved for what they want, have them add up how much more they will need. 

4. Play Math Skill Games

Board and card games build strong math skills. Try playing Monopoly, Uno, and Yahtzee as a family, as they help to build number sense and strategic thinking without feeling like homework. They help children build math skills without them knowing that it’s happening, plus the whole family gets to have fun away from the screens!

Summer learning starts here! Get insights on how to

5. Enrol at a Tutoring Centre

Summer tutoring programs help students fill learning gaps, get ahead, or stay on track in a low-stress, one-on-one setting. With personalized support and flexible scheduling, tutoring ensures that students stay mentally active without overwhelming their summer plans. It’s the perfect balance of learning and fun, and a smart way to build math skills before back-to-school season. Find more information on our math program here.

What Parents Can Do: Make Math Skills Part of Everyday Life

You don’t need a teaching degree to support your child’s math growth. The key is to make math meaningful by integrating it into your everyday routine. Praise effort, not just results, and encourage a positive mindset. Struggling with math doesn’t mean a student isn’t “a math person” but needs more practice and support.

A Summer Math Routine That Works

Even 15–20 minutes a day can make a big difference. Keep it light, consistent, and encouraging. 

Mix it up with:

• Online math games
• Real-world activities (like shopping or gardening)

Don’t Let Math Skills Take a Vacation

Summer is short, but the math skills your child builds today can last a lifetime. With the right approach, summer learning can be fun, engaging, and incredibly rewarding.

Looking for a summer math boost?

We offer customized math tutoring for students of all ages. From review to enrichment, our expert tutors make learning math fun and effective, even in the summer sun.

Book your free consultation today and make this a summer of learning!

Learn More

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Why Math Feels Hard—And Why It Doesn’t Have to Be

It’s hard to build math confidence because It can stem from early struggles, a fast-paced classroom environment, or the belief that you’re either “a math person” or not. But here’s the truth: math is a skill that can be learned like any other. Just like reading or riding a bike, it takes practice, patience, and confidence.

Building Math Confidence Starts Early

Confidence in math begins with small wins. When students start to see that they can solve problems, they start to believe in themselves. Here are a few ways to build early math confidence:

• Celebrate Effort Over Perfection: Praise the process, not just the right answer.
• Make Math Part of Daily Life: Grocery shopping, cooking, budgeting—math is everywhere!
• Play Math Games: Board games, card games, and even apps can help make math fun.
  

Common Math Roadblocks—and How to Overcome Them

Whether it’s fractions, word problems, or algebra, certain math topics trip up many students. That’s okay! These hurdles are part of the learning journey. Tutoring offers personalized support to break down tricky topics into manageable steps. With one-on-one attention, students can revisit key concepts, learn at their own pace, and ask questions without fear.

The Power of Tutoring in Math Success

Tutoring provides a safe space for students to catch up, keep up, or get ahead. Math tutors don’t just teach—they build trust, reduce anxiety, and help students develop a growth mindset. At 91°”Íű, we tailor each session to the student’s unique needs, using strategies that match how they learn best.

When students gain math confidence, their entire academic outlook changes. Grades improve, participation increases, and they stop saying, “I’m just not good at math.”

Conquer Math Doubts and Build Math Confidence

Math doesn’t have to be a struggle. Any student can become a math whiz with encouragement, practice, and the right support system. Whether your child is falling behind, needs homework help, or wants to tackle advanced challenges, we’re here to help make math something to look forward to.

Ready to help your child have more math confidence? Contact us today to book a free assessment and find the right math program for your child’s needs.

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Math Isn’t About Talent—It’s About Training Your Brain

shows that the brain is capable of changing and growing with effort—a concept known as neuroplasticity. When students practise math, they strengthen the neural pathways that help them understand numbers and problem-solving techniques. Just like learning a language or playing an instrument, math is a skill that improves with consistent practice.

A  found that students who believe they can improve their math skills through effort perform better than those who think their ability is fixed. This means that the biggest factor in math success is not talent but mindset.

Why Students Struggle with Math

Many students who struggle with math don’t lack ability—they are held back by math anxiety. show that math anxiety triggers the same areas of the brain associated with physical pain, making it harder to focus and process information. This can lead to a cycle where students avoid math, fall behind, and reinforce the belief that they are simply “not a math person.“

Breaking the Cycle with the Right Approach

Improving math skills is possible for everyone. Tutoring is one of the most effective ways to help students gain confidence and skills. 

A personalized approach to math support helps students:

• Reduce math anxiety through guided practice in a stress-free environment
• Build problem-solving skills with step-by-step instruction
• Develop confidence by mastering foundational skills before moving on to complex concepts
• Learn at their own pace with individualized strategies

Tutoring for Math Success

Tutoring provides students with the tools they need to overcome the belief that they aren’t “math people.” With expert guidance, students learn how to approach math differently, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Regular tutoring sessions can help reinforce classroom learning, fill knowledge gaps, and encourage a growth mindset.

The Role of Tutoring in Building a Strong Math Brain

No one is born good or bad at math. The idea of a “math brain” is a myth that prevents students from realizing their full potential. With the right strategies, practice, and support, anyone can become confident in math. If your child is struggling with math, a tutor can provide the guidance they need to improve their skills and build a positive mindset toward learning.

At 91°”Íű, we believe every student can succeed in math with the right support. 

Contact us today to learn how we can help your child develop the confidence and skills needed for math success.

Give your child the confidence to succeed in math. Find a location near you today!

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Math is often seen as a subject that students either love or dread. Many students struggle with math not because they lack ability but because they perceive it as difficult, abstract, or unrelated to their daily lives. However, helping students love math is possible with the right approach. Here are some strategies to help students develop a positive relationship with math.

9 Strategies 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
• Managing a small budget or allowance

By connecting math to real-world experiences, students can 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. Use Games and Interactive Tools

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:

• Sudoku and logic puzzles
• Card games like Uno or 24 Game
• Online platforms such as , , or

4. Personalize Learning Approaches

Not all students learn the same way. Some may benefit from visual aids, while others prefer hands-on activities. 

Consider different approaches, such as:

• Visual learners need graphs, charts, and colour-coded equations
• Auditory learners need someone to explain concepts aloud or use songs to memorize formulas
• Kinesthetic learners need to incorporate physical activities like building models or using manipulatives

5. Provide Positive Role Models

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. Break Down Complex Problems

Large math problems can feel overwhelming for many students. Take some time to teach your children how to tackle math step by step:

1. Identify what the problem is asking
2. Break it into smaller, manageable steps
3. Solve one part at a time
4. Review work

By simplifying the process, students can build confidence and reduce frustration.

7. Turn Struggles into 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. Foster Collaborative Learning

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 Progress and Small Wins

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.

91°”Íű Can Help Students Love Math

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 Location near you to see how we can help your student love math.

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However, the process of becoming math literate is less commonly understood, though it’s just as important to students’ success in school and beyond. So, what does math literacy really mean?

What is Math Literacy?

Math literacy, or numeracy, is the ability to problem-solve, reason, and analyze using numbers. It goes beyond basic arithmetic and is essential for applying math in real-world situations. Math literacy enables students to understand math terminology (such as knowing that “sum” means addition and “difference” means subtraction) and decode what a question is actually asking.

Mastering math literacy means students can use numbers effectively, understand patterns, and apply logical reasoning to solve everyday problems.

When Do Students Become Math Literate?

Students reach math literacy after they’ve mastered fundamental math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Mastery of fractions by the end of Grade 5 is also crucial; without it, students will likely struggle with more complex math concepts in high school and beyond.

Math literacy isn’t an instant achievement—it requires years of understanding and applying math concepts. Interestingly, the brain’s ability to comprehend abstract logic fully , which is often why high school becomes the real testing ground for math skills. Students who are solid in the basics can move more seamlessly into advanced math.

Common Challenges in Developing Math Literacy

Math literacy often comes with its own set of hurdles. Many students struggle to recognize patterns and apply learned skills in new situations. Word problems are a common stumbling block, as students may struggle to interpret the question and identify the steps needed to reach a solution.

Abstract thinking is also an essential skill in math, yet it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. This is why extra support and encouragement are key for students who find math challenging. Extra tutoring support can help students overcome any math problems that they may be facing. Learn more about math tutoring here.

When Can a Student Consider Themselves Math Literate?

There is no specific age at which students achieve math literacy. They achieve it when they can confidently use math concepts, recognize patterns, and transfer skills to solve problems. Math literacy is more than just completing assignments—it’s a way of thinking and solving problems in everyday situations.

Tips for Improving Math Literacy Skills

It’s never too late to improve math literacy! Here are some effective ways to strengthen these essential skills:

• Revisit basic concepts.
  • Understanding core mathematics, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions, lays a solid foundation for tackling complex math skills.
• Fill math learning gaps early.
  • The sooner students identify and address gaps, the greater the likelihood of becoming math literate.
• Relate math to real life.
  • Math is everywhere, from cooking to home improvement to driving. Showing students how math applies to daily life makes it more relevant and engaging.
• Boost confidence and motivation. 
  • Positive experiences with math, such as small successes, can significantly impact a student’s confidence. Confidence, in turn, motivates them to tackle more complex problems.
• Provide real-world examples.
  • When students ask, “When will I ever use this?” real-world examples—from art to computer science—can demonstrate the value of math in everyday life.

6 Fun Ways to Make Math Engaging at Home

If you’re looking to make math more enjoyable for kids, here are six fun ideas:

1. Use math in cooking; measuring ingredients helps with fractions and multiplication.
2. Play board games with math elements. Games like Monopoly or Yahtzee encourage counting, strategy, and probability.
3. Tracking fitness goals can help kids set and measure their personal bests for physical activities.
4. Design a home project that encourages kids to calculate paint or flooring needs for a room—it’s a real-life application of area measurement.
5. Solve puzzles and brain teasers together; this helps build critical thinking.
6. Explore math in nature, looking for patterns in leaves, shapes of rocks, and weather patterns, all using math concepts.

Developing math literacy is a journey that requires practice, patience, and positivity. By understanding and embracing the “language of math,” students not only improve academically but also gain vital skills for navigating the world around them.

Need Help Building Math Skills? 

91°”Íű can support your child on the path to math literacy! Our programs are designed to boost confidence and understanding, making math accessible and enjoyable. 

Find an 91°”Íű location near you to get started today!

Find a Location

originally published in 2010. Edited and updated in 2024.

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For some students, doing math can cause negative emotions like fear of failure. This harms their ability to perform.

This is known as “

Effects of Math Anxiety in Elementary and Secondary School Students

Math anxiety impacts students as early as the first grade by affecting their working memory. Working memory is like a ‘mental scratchpad’. It is important when we need to keep track of numbers. However, this working memory can be disrupted by math anxiety in both elementary and secondary school students. This can lead students with math anxiety to be as much as half a school year behind their peers in math. Even for students who don’t struggle with math anxiety, it’s important to develop positive study habits that will help them as math becomes more complex.

What Causes Math Anxiety?

Major causes of math anxiety include:

• • The pressure caused by time limits on tests

The deadlines that timed tests impose on students lead them to feel anxious. This leads them to forget concepts that they have no problem remembering at home. Since tests can have a negative impact on grades, students’ fear of failure is confirmed. This creates a vicious circle that can be difficult to break.

• • The fear of public embarrassment

Math anxiety has also been linked to negative emotions from the past. If a student has been scolded for getting an answer wrong, it can make his or her anxiety worse. The same is true if he or she has been embarrassed in front of others.

• • Influence of teachers

Students can also pick up on their teacher’s feelings about math. If a teacher is excited and positive about math, the students will be as well. However, it can have the opposite effect if educators are negative about it.

Symptoms of Math Anxiety

If your child seems to be struggling with their math grades, look for the following symptoms of math anxiety:

1. Unusual nervousness when doing or thinking about math

Even thinking about math is enough to cause stress to the student.

2. Passive behaviour

Students are either too afraid of failure or simply thinking about math, which brings so many negative emotions that they are unwilling to even try.

3. A feeling of being alone

They feel that they are the only ones incapable of finding the solutions, even if the math is extremely complicated.

4. A feeling of permanency

The student begins to believe that he or she is naturally bad at math and always will be, so he or she gives up trying to improve.

5. Lack of confidence

Students expect never to know the answers to math questions, so they depend on other people to do math for them. Example: expecting parents to help with homework.

6. Panic during tests or when called on to answer questions

The classroom becomes a major source of stress for students, especially when they are taking a test or expected to contribute in class.

How to Prevent Math Anxiety

If your child struggles with these challenges, you’ve probably found yourself wondering how to handle math anxiety. It can affect any student, and the best way to prevent it is to build positive study habits.

Check out these math anxiety strategies to find out how to improve your child’s performance in the classroom.

4 Math Anxiety Tips:

1. Positive Reinforcement

Students coping with math anxiety need to feel that they can excel at math.

Review homework with your child and point out all the questions they got right. Put an emphasis on correct answers rather than mistakes. If possible, surround the student with positive teachers and students.

2. Get a Tutor

Teachers can greatly impact a student’s feelings toward math. Even if the teacher is enthusiastic about math, supplement teaching with a qualified tutor. Tutors can provide personal attention that is hard to get at school. They can help students work through their problems in a low-pressure environment. Tutoring can also improve students’ self-confidence.

3. Reframe Anxiety

Reframing anxiety can improve mathematics performance. Have a student write down their worries about math before doing it. By having to think critically, students can realize their fears are unfounded.

Young children can draw pictures as a substitute for writing. Assist reframing by having students see tests and assignments as challenges instead of threats.

4. Make Math Fun!

Try to create positive emotions by making math fun. One way to do this is to connect math to the child’s interests. For example, if the student likes sports, use sport-related word problems.

For more tips on how to boost math confidence, check out our video below.

Struggling With Math?

If you know a student who struggles with math anxiety, 91°”Íű can help. View our math tutoring page for more details, and find an 91°”Íű location near you!

Note: Originally published 2017. Edited and updated 2024

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But love it or hate it, understanding it is a key part of not only school but also of life.

In life, students may never again need to calculate the circumference of a circle; however, basic math skills such as multiplication, division, and percentages are needed skills throughout life.

Perceptions Matter

Whether students perceive the subject to be easy or difficult influences their performance. Not surprisingly, parents’ perceptions strongly influence their child’s performance. A show that parent influence has the biggest impact on student attitudes, surpassing even teacher influence.

Basically, when students have a positive attitude about math at home, it translates to a positive attitude in school. This, in turn, impacts math performance.

So how can students and parents adopt a positive subject attitude and work toward making it enjoyable? Check out these tips to change perceptions and build better math skills.

Tips to Make Math Fun

1. Don’t Give Up. Adopting a growth mindset is key to understanding that not everything comes easily and that working at something can bring rewards.
2. Don’t Miss Class. Math is cumulative (concepts build upon one another), so missing one class can mean falling behind.
3. Work With Friends. Friends can offer different ideas and approaches to solving complex problems, explain concepts differently, and share notes and strategies.
4. Ask Questions. Speak up when a concept is not understood.
5. Seek Solutions Online. Practise challenging problems online or with an app.
6. Review Work. Analyze and understand mistakes to avoid repeating them.
7. Build Basics. Keep working on the basic skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These skills are the foundation, and feeling confident in these skills will translate into confidence in other skills.
8. Play. Board games or apps can make learning more interactive than a textbook.
9. Get Help. Seeking extra help at the first sign of struggle is key.

Math Tutoring at 91°”Íű

Reading is the foundation of all learning, including in math. When reading skills are weak, it can influence student math performance. At 91°”Íű, our custom programs help student build stronger basic skills while also building reading comprehension. Understanding what a question is asking is the first step to finding the solution. Get better math grades with help from 91°”Íű.

Find a location and enrol today!

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