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 they don’t know why they are doing it. Acting silly in math class sometimes covers up one of these common problems.
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 style. Whatever the reason for their boredom, the children who are constantly goofing off or acting out are not engaging with the math material. Since they aren’t doing math, they fill their time by being inattentive or silly!
Insecurity - No one likes feeling stupid or looking like they don’t understand what is going on. Kids often choose to look like the class clown instead of admitting 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.
Mindset - Succeeding in math takes effort. Sometimes kids need to work on their mindset so they will increase their effort. For more information about mindset read our article:
Mindset: A Cool Reason to do Fun Math Activities Encouraging Mathematical Reasoning and Creativity.
Mismatch of Personalities - Ever had a teacher you didn’t care for or a boss you didn't like? Then you can understand why some students have a hard time focusing in class - particularly those who have gotten off on the wrong foot with a teacher. Students may even try to annoy certain teachers on purpose.
Social Pressure - Is your child making jokes in the math class to impress another child or to fit in with a certain peer group? The goofy behavior may be an overture for friendship, or even a misguided romantic gesture!
Special Events - It’s a Full Moon, the day before vacation, or the baby/new puppy kept everyone up all night, etc. We all have off days sometimes. If your normally studious child gets detention in math class one day, it might have just been an off day. Ask the teacher if this is a pattern of behavior or a rare event.
What to Do if Your Child Consistently Goofs Off in Math Class or School
If you suspect that your child is bored or insecure, bring your child in to Mathnasium of Parker for a free, no obligation, no risk math assessment to check for any math gaps. Also read some of our many articles on the topics including:
Math Takes Time to Conquer
Understanding Math Learning Gaps
6 Ways for Accelerated and Advanced Math Students to Get Excited about Math Again
What Kind of Math Learner is Your Child?
Why Some Middle School Kids Act Like the Don’t Care
Mindset: A Cool Reason to do Fun Math Activities Encouraging Mathematical Reasoning and Creativity
If the situation 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 also a very good chance your child acquired some math gaps while goofing off. 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 here at Mathnasium of Parker. We are a team for your child’s math success.
You may also be interested in reading:
Math at Mathnasium of Parker is Easy
Should Your Child Enroll in an Accelerated Math Class?
Call us at Mathnasium of Parker 303-840-1184.
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