Maths can sometimes feel like a tricky subject for children, but with the right support at home, you can make it much more enjoyable and accessible. Whether your child is struggling with basic arithmetic or preparing for more advanced concepts, these practical tips will help you guide them with confidence and ease.
1. Create a Positive Attitude Towards Maths
This sixth form in Cambridge suggests that children often pick up on their parents’ feelings about maths. If you show enthusiasm and confidence, it can inspire your child to feel the same way. Avoid saying things like “I was never good at maths” and instead focus on encouraging phrases such as “Maths is fun” or “Let’s solve this together.” Building a positive mindset is the first step to success.
2. Make Maths Part of Everyday Life
Maths isn’t just for the classroom — it’s everywhere in daily life. Involve your child in activities that naturally incorporate maths skills, like cooking (measuring ingredients), shopping (calculating change or discounts), or telling the time. These real-life examples help children see the relevance of maths, making it less abstract and more engaging.
3. Use Visual Aids and Manipulatives
Many children learn better when they can see and touch objects. Use counters, blocks, or coins to explain concepts like addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Visual aids make tricky ideas clearer and allow children to explore maths hands-on. You could also use charts, number lines, or apps designed to support learning through visual interaction.
4. Encourage Regular Practice, But Keep It Short
Consistency is key in developing maths skills. Short, daily practice sessions are far more effective than occasional long ones. Aim for 10 to 15 minutes a day to keep your child engaged without overwhelming them. Use worksheets, online games, or simple mental maths exercises to build confidence steadily.
5. Break Down Problems Into Smaller Steps
If your child struggles with multi-step problems, help them break the question down into manageable parts. Guide them to tackle one step at a time rather than trying to solve everything at once. This approach can reduce anxiety and improve understanding, especially for word problems or more complex calculations.
6. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results
Praise your child’s effort and progress rather than just the correct answers. Maths can be challenging, and recognising their hard work encourages perseverance. Celebrate small victories and remind them that making mistakes is part of learning, which helps build resilience and a growth mindset.
7. Communicate With Your Child’s Teacher
Stay in touch with your child’s maths teacher to understand what topics they are covering and any areas your child finds difficult. Teachers can recommend resources or strategies tailored to your child’s needs. This partnership will ensure your support at home complements what they are learning at school.
8. Use Technology Wisely
There are many high-quality UK-based educational websites and apps designed to support maths learning, such as BBC Bitesize. These tools can make practising fun and interactive, especially for children who respond well to digital learning. Just be mindful to balance screen time with other activities.
Supporting your child in maths doesn’t have to be daunting. With patience, positivity, and practical strategies, you can help them build strong maths skills that will benefit them throughout their education and beyond. Remember, your encouragement makes all the difference!
