Parents get alarmed and panic when kids say they “hate” math class and math homework. They wonder if having such strong negative feelings about a subject is normal. Unfortunately, math does tend to generate strong negative feelings for some students.
While hating math may be “normal” in the sense that many kids feel that way, it is a symptom of a problem and should be addressed. Normal and okay are not the same. Think about what “normal” behavior in the 70s and 80s included.
Nowadays, “normal” behavior has changed dramatically. We use sunscreen, helmets, and seatbelts. Schools use time-outs for discipline and smoking is banned on campus. As a result, we are less likely to get sun damage, head injuries, lung cancer and other maladies associated with dangerous behaviors. When we learn better, we do better. Math instruction in our schools evolves as researchers and educators learn more about cognitive science and math. Yet, math instruction still has a long way to go compared with reading and writing.
So, yes, it is “normal” for kids to hate math class and math homework but we must still try to correct it. There are 3 common reasons a child may develop strong negative feelings towards math.
1. Students are Not Learning at the Right Level or Pace
As discussed in our articles, Math Takes Time to Conquer and 6 Ways for Accelerated and Advanced Math Students to Get Excited about Math Again, learning new skills feels good. Students who are getting math instruction appropriate to their level of understanding don’t hate math. However, in a classroom of 30 kids it is very difficult for a teacher to meet the learning needs of every student. Often, the children who learn math quickly get bored and the children who need extra time get overwhelmed. Then, kids in both groups start complaining about hating math.
Solution: If your child is still in elementary school find out if there are math groups for differentiated instruction. That means the teacher groups kids by level of mastery in a skill to deliver the right level of instruction. Grouping is different than tracking because the groups are flexible. When the child masters a skill, it is common for them to change groups.
Tracking in secondary school is a common practice. For example, some kids take algebra at 8th grade and others take it in 9th grade. Too many high school and middle school children are placed in a math class that is too high or low for their abilities.
Consider whether your child is in the appropriate math class or group. Sometimes simply changing the level and pace of instruction to match the child makes a huge difference. Suddenly they like math again. At Mathnasium of Littleton, many kids think that math is actually easier at our center than the math at school. It’s not different math. We are just very careful to match the individualized learning plan and pace to the needs of each child.
2. The Classroom Instruction and/or Culture Is Lacking
In general we respect math teachers immensely. Many of our instructors and center directors are current or former teachers themselves. But some teachers give the teaching profession a bad rap. Other teachers are not getting the support they need from the school or the district and it limits their effectiveness. If your child is in a class where the teacher discourages questions, berates mistakes, fails to give appropriate feedback, or just isn’t very pleasant, math class must be miserable. Another common problem, especially in elementary schools, is that many teachers don’t feel confident in math themselves. This is especially problematic for girls who identify poor math skills as a female attribute. It’s hard for kids to get excited about a subject from a teacher who lacks enthusiasm, teaching skills, or the proper resources.
Solution: Find out what the classroom atmosphere is like in math by observing or volunteering during math class. Be aware that observing on just one day does not give you the full picture on what happens in that classroom on a regular basis. Here are some things to look for while you are there:
If you see any of these things lacking, schedule a conversation with the teacher. Be sure that the conversation is private and non-confrontational. Explain that your child expresses not liking math and you are just trying to solve the mystery of why and change your child’s attitude. Remember, you are not there to evaluate the effectiveness of the teacher. That is the role of the principal. Your job is to get the right instruction for your child. If that means switching teachers, speak to the principal about your concerns.
At Mathnasium of Littleton we make sure our teachers are knowledgeable, enthusiastic, nice and get the support they need to be effective.
3. The Math Curriculum is Boring
For decades math curriculum had focused on teaching kids to get the right answers to problems. Kids who just follow an algorithm to solve a problem without any understanding of why or how the algorithm works won’t feel any sense of accomplishment for problem solving. For decades the U.S math curriculum has fallen short in providing real world math applications and creativity. Not only has this resulted in the U.S trailing other countries in math competencies, it also makes learning math dry. At Mathnasium we encourage mathematical reasoning and creativity. Common Core Math Standards attempt to make math instruction interesting and more applicable to realistic problems, but the textbooks and district curriculum take a long time to change.
Solution: You can’t change the math curriculum, but you can provide opportunities for your children to experience math in a different way or setting. We love using games that use math as part of the strategy.
What to Do the Next Time your Child says “I Hate Math”
First, listen to your child. Be empathetic to their feelings. Don’t get caught in the trap of allowing their feelings to excuse lack of effort, even if they have dyscalculia. Having to work hard at something often pays big rewards down the road when children learn persistence and a growth mindset. Remember normal is not the same as acceptable.
Then, bring them into Mathnasium. We Make Math Make Sense. They might not be happy about coming into a math center when they say they hate math, but they usually change their tune after a session or two. Don’t forget to ask about our free trial session or schedule your child's Free diagnostic math assessment! Call 303-979-9077.
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