Motivation to do maths: how to help children

Many parents and guardians find themselves grappling with the challenge of motivating their children to engage with maths. It's not too uncommon for children to be a little maths reluctant and express resistance towards learning maths, which can be a little frustrating when helping them learn. 

Maths can be challenging but with the right strategies and support, parents and guardians can help their children develop a positive attitude towards maths and unlock their potential in this essential subject.

Tips to help your kids with maths

Understanding that every child is unique and may require different approaches to motivate them, here are some tips to help parents encourage their children to engage with maths:

1. Create a positive learning environment: Establish a supportive and encouraging atmosphere at home where children feel comfortable exploring mathematical concepts without fear of judgement or failure.

2. Make maths relevant: Help children understand the real-world applications of maths by incorporating it into everyday activities and tasks, such as cooking, shopping, or budgeting.

3. Celebrate progress: Recognize and celebrate your child's achievements and progress in maths, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can help boost their confidence and motivation.

4. Use interactive learning resources: Explore educational apps, games, and online resources that make learning maths interactive and engaging for children.

5. Encourage curiosity: Foster a sense of curiosity and exploration by encouraging children to ask questions, experiment with different approaches, and solve problems creatively.

Do many children struggle with GCSE maths?

It's not uncommon for children to encounter difficulties with GCSE maths. It can be reassuring for children to know it’s not something they’re experiencing alone, so remind them that it’s okay. 

Some common reasons why children may struggle with this subject include:

• Limited foundational knowledge and understanding of key mathematical concepts

• Fear of failure or making mistakes

• Lack of confidence in their mathematical abilities

• Difficulty in understanding abstract mathematical concepts

• Insufficient practice and reinforcement of mathematical skills

Addressing the challenges of struggling with GCSE maths can be tricky. It’s important to try to encourage children to be braver with maths, go in with confidence and understand how to learn from their mistakes rather than fearing making mistakes in the first place. 

Don’t let the mentality of “I’ll never be good at this” sink in. Instead encourage children to develop a growth mindset so that thought becomes “I’ll get better at this.”

Can maths be fun?

Maths can indeed be fun and engaging for children. 

By incorporating everyday maths activities into their daily routines, parents can help children develop a positive attitude towards maths and discover the joy of learning. Some examples of everyday maths activities include:

• Baking and cooking together, which involves measuring ingredients, calculating proportions, and understanding fractions

• Playing board games or puzzles that require strategic thinking, problem-solving, and numerical reasoning

• Exploring patterns and shapes in nature or the environment, such as identifying geometric shapes or symmetry in objects

By making maths an enjoyable and interactive experience, parents can help children develop a lifelong appreciation for the subject and build essential mathematical skills along the way.

Can tuition help to motivate children that struggle with maths?

Yes, tuition can be an effective way to support children who are struggling with maths. Whether it's one-to-one tutoring, group sessions, or online tuition, there are various options available to suit different learning styles and preferences. Tuition can provide personalised support, targeted intervention, and additional practice opportunities to help children build confidence, improve their skills, and unlock their full potential in maths. 

Explore Learning offers GCSE maths tuition and online tuition with expert tutors who can adapt their teaching approach to meet the individual needs of each child, helping them to develop a deeper understanding of maths and succeed in their academic journey.

If you're interested in seeing how Explore Learning can support your child's maths learning, why not book a free trial today? Our experienced tutors are ready to help your child build essential maths skills and confidence in a supportive and engaging learning environment.