How often has your child said, “I don’t like math!” “I just don’t understand math!” I can’t learn math!”

Compared to reading, parents are more tolerant of math problems. But mathematics is very important in children’s lives and in their future careers. Many of the fastest growing occupations require math, algebra, and even calculus.

Mathematics is the most cumulative subject in school. Therefore, if your child with special needs falls behind, he is particularly prone to developing “gaps” in knowledge that will haunt him for years to come.

Elementary teachers do a poor job of teaching math

Mathematics is the worst taught subject in school, particularly in elementary school. Research has shown that elementary school teachers are uncomfortable with math, not just teaching math, but using math principles in their own lives. In fact, many elementary school teachers also suffer from math anxiety. Therefore, most primary school teachers are not a good influence on their students’ mathematical learning and attitudes.

The combination of a teacher’s poor understanding of mathematical concepts, inadequate knowledge of teaching methods in mathematics, and limited knowledge about modifying teaching approaches to reach students with atypical learning profiles can create dismal results for children with special needs.

Tip #1

Emphasize to your children the importance of mathematics in their lives and careers.

Science and technology jobs require a strong understanding of mathematics and play a vital role in advancing our standard of living. Students who understand math have dramatically more career opportunities than students whose math skills are weak.

The level of mathematical sophistication is much higher for today’s students.

Because the nature of math education has changed dramatically since most parents went to school, parents often begin to struggle with math concepts by the time their children reach middle school.

If a child with special needs is struggling with math, parents must face the hard truth that they may not be in the ideal position to help their child, especially when math becomes conceptually challenging. Due to the history of poor mathematics teaching in the US, parents may have limited knowledge of mathematics and may not appreciate the central role that mathematics plays in the lives of today’s citizens.

Tip #2

If you find that you do not fully understand the work your child brings home, you should withdraw from the “direct teaching” role. Direct teaching involves explaining concepts and procedures to your child, just as a teacher or tutor would. If you don’t fully understand the math you’re teaching your child, you and your child risk ingraining inaccurate beliefs and ineffective habits that can take months to undo.

Math anxiety is rampant in the US.

Did you know that at least 66% of adults have strong negative feelings about mathematics? This is largely due to the poor teaching that adults receive at school. These negative feelings are easy to communicate to your child. When children feel negative about a school subject, they unconsciously engage in self-sabotaging behaviors, such as disengaging from class, not doing their homework, not asking questions when they don’t understand, and not practicing concepts and skills enough to make them. automatic.

This starts a vicious cycle of failure…as the student “regresses” in learning mathematics, they begin to fall behind in learning, and this creates even more aversion and avoidance. Eventually, what is called learned helplessness sets in.

This enemy robs a child of his power. This beast whispers into a child’s ear phrases like “you’re stupid,” “you’ll never learn these things,” “who are you kidding, you don’t need this,” and the ever-present “this is boring.”

These self-defeating messages tear at a child’s resolve, limit what he or she can learn, and reduce future educational and career options.

Tip #3

If you have negative feelings about math, make a conscious effort to change these feelings and encourage your children to have positive feelings about math. Praise your child’s efforts, especially when the going gets tough.

Math has to “make sense” for your child to want to learn it

Students respond to a program that puts understanding and enjoyment in mathematics. They benefit from meaningful learning experiences that overcome frustration with “math that just doesn’t make sense.” They learn concepts and calculations faster from real life situations.

Tip #4

Show children how math is used in their lives.

In stores, ask them to develop mental arithmetic skills by adding up the cost of a few items, estimating sales tax, or estimating the cost of a six-pack can of soda.

Have fun with math by playing while riding in the car or standing in line. For “Guess My Secret Identity,” give your child clues like, “Divided by three, I’m equal to your age” or “If you add 22 to me, I’m the length of a football field.” Be playful and creative and ask your child to come up with puzzles for you to solve.

“Summing Up Everything”

Children with special needs want to be successful in life, and their parents want to do everything they can to help them succeed. If you are among the majority of parents who have negative attitudes toward math, feel that your math skills are inadequate, and express your feelings by opening up to your child, I urge you to do all you can to remove these tendencies from your repertoire of behaviors! breeding!

Even if, up until now, you’ve suffered from the demon of power-robbing math insecurity, your kids can learn math skills and can appreciate the wonderful role math plays in their lives. But they can’t do it without her support and encouragement!