Why Do Kids Goof-Off in Math Class?

Sometimes silly behavior is just part of being a child. If the behavior is persistent, the child might be covering up other issues. Try asking them why they are cracking jokes or playing pencil war instead of doing their math. Often kids don’t know why they are acting silly in math class. Sometimes the goofy behavior covers up one of the following common problems.

1. Boredom- The work in math class might be too difficult or too easy for the child. Perhaps the teaching method doesn’t match the child’s learning method. Whatever the reason for their boredom, the children are not engaging with the math material. Since they aren’t doing math, they fill their time by goofing off!
2. Insecurity- No one likes feeling or looking like they don’t understand. Kids often choose to look like the class clown instead of admit that they are struggling with the math curriculum. This is especially true of kids who have a fixed mindset – thinking they are either “smart” or “dumb” in math. Children in middle school are especially guilty of covering up insecurity with goofiness or apathy. Why Some Middle School Kids Act Like the Don’t Care
3.  Mindset- Succeeding in math takes effort. Sometimes kids need to work on their mindset so they will increase their effort. 
4. Mismatch of Personalities- Ever had a teacher you didn’t care for? Students may even try to annoy certain teachers on purpose.
5. Social Pressure Is your child making jokes in the math class to impress another child? The goofy behavior may be an overture for friendship, or even a misguided romantic gesture!
6. It’s an “Off” day If your normally studious child gets detention in math class one day, it might have just been an off day. Maybe she just stubbed her toe or didn’t get enough to eat. Ask the teacher if this is a pattern of behavior or a rare event.

What to Do

If you suspect that your child is bored or insecure, bring your child in for a free/no-risk assessment to check for math gaps. 

If it is a mismatch of personalities or a social pressure issue, talk with the teacher about appropriate changes. These changes might include changing seats or classes. There is a good chance your child acquired some math gaps. Don’t worry, our specialty is fixing math gaps. 

If it was just a single event, think about what triggered it. Try to avoid that trigger in the future. Don’t lose too much sleep over it.

You can always discuss what is happening at school in math class with us at Mathnasium of Cottage Grove. We are a team for your child’s math success.

Call Pauline of Mathnasium of Cottage Grove today at (651) 560-5477.

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