Math difficulties

It is not uncommon to struggle with math and have not-so-fond experiences with it. You might think, “This is boring,” or “I’m never going to need this,” if math doesn’t come easily to you. Having difficulty with math isn’t due to laziness or a lack of intelligence. Many people experience this, and it can happen even when you are doing well in other subjects.

We start learning math when we are young children. If you have difficulties, you may take a long time to recognize numbers or patterns or even learn how to count. As you grow older, you might understand numbers but still struggle with addition, subtraction, or algebra. Outside of school, math difficulties might make it hard to remember phone numbers or game scores, read clocks, count money, or estimate distances and time for tasks. Math skills are important for everyday life, so math difficulties can make things tough and may make you feel angry, ashamed, or even want to give up. But don’t worry. There is a way to learn, even if it’s different from how most people learn.

What is typical?

Learning math takes time. It builds up over years, with each new thing you learn helping you understand the next.

Typical math skills include recognizing and counting numbers, understanding addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and being able to count money, tell time, and measure things. Over the years, these skills grow to include solving problems, understanding percentages, fractions, graphs, and equations.

Mistakes are a normal part of learning. But if you’ve had tutoring and studied in different ways but still have a lot of trouble, you may be dealing with a deeper difficulty. This doesn’t mean you can’t learn, but that you might need a different way of learning.

When should I be concerned?

Many people face difficulties with math, but there are signs to watch for that might indicate more serious problems. If you’re not sure how to spot these signs, ask a trusted adult or teacher for help.

When you were first learning math:

• Recognizing numbers: You had difficulty recognizing numbers.
• Learning to count: You experienced delays in learning to count.
• Connecting numbers with words: You struggled to connect numerical symbols (like 5) with their corresponding words (like “five”).
• Recognizing patterns: You found it hard to recognize patterns or put things in order.
• Using visual aids: You needed visual aids, like fingers, to count.

When you are in school:

• Basic math functions: You have significant difficulty learning basic math functions like addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
• Understanding word problems: You are unable to understand word problems and other non-numerical math calculations.
• Estimating time: You find it difficult to estimate how long tasks will take to complete.
• Math homework and tests: You struggle with math homework and tests.
• Keeping up in math class: You fall behind your grade level in math.
• Visual math information: You have difficulty understanding visual information like graphs and charts.

When you are outside school:

• Remembering numbers: You have trouble remembering frequently used numbers like phone numbers and postal codes.
• Counting money: You struggle with counting money, making change, or estimating costs.
• Reading clocks: You have difficulty reading clocks or telling time.
• Judging distances: You find it hard to judge distances or make real-life measurements.
• Recalling directions: You struggle to recall directions to a location, even familiar ones.
• Keeping score in games: You have trouble keeping score during games.
• Frustration with math tasks: You get upset when you cannot solve a math problem and may have emotional outbursts.

We know that feeling all of this can be difficult, but the sooner you understand what’s happening, the easier it will be to find a healthy way to cope. Remember: you don’t have to go through this alone.

What can I do if I (or a friend) struggle?

Dealing with math difficulties can be hard and frustrating. If you know you struggle with math, try these ideas to help reduce the impact on your life and slowly get better at math.

1. Ask a trusted adult for help.This could be a parent, family member, or another adult who takes care of you. Let them know what’s going on. They can help you and get you more support if needed.
2. Talk to your teacher.Teachers know a lot about math and can give you tips to make it easier. Ask them for help with things you find hard or confusing.
3. Practice math outside school.Use everyday activities like cooking or shopping to practice math. This makes learning math feel more like a game and less like homework.
4. Play games that involve math skills.Choose games that use numbers, like dice or dominoes. These games make math fun and help you learn without even realizing it.
5. Use online tools and apps.Find apps or websites that have math puzzles and exercises. These tools can help you practice math in a fun and interactive way.
6. Create reference sheets.Make flashcards with math facts or formulas you need to remember. Use them to quiz yourself or have someone else quiz you.
7. Break tasks into smaller parts.Divide your math homework into smaller sections. Focus on one part at a time to make it feel less overwhelming.
8. Allow enough time and take breaks.Set aside extra time for math homework and take short breaks when you need to. This helps keep your mind fresh and focused.
9. Remove distractions.Find a quiet place to work on math without TVs or phones. This helps you concentrate better and understand the math problems.
10. Talk, write, or draw the problem.Explain the math problem out loud, write it down, or draw it out. This can help you see the problem in a new way and find the solution more easily.

Most importantly, you can learn math in a fun and enjoyable way. It’s a process! You just need support and time to develop.

What kind of professional support can I seek out?

It is normal to feel concerned about mathematics difficulties, but help is available. If you struggle with math for weeks, ask a trusted adult or teacher for assistance. They can guide you to get an evaluation from a professional. Remember, asking for help isn’t a problem or a sign of failure; on the contrary, it’s having the courage to face what’s difficult.

There are several types of professionals who can help, including special education teachersand school counselors. You can also share your difficulty with a doctor, such as a pediatrician, a general practitioner, or a professional at your nearest Basic Health Unit (UBS). They can listen, understand what is happening, and if necessary, refer you to a specialist like a psychologist.

Remember, seeking help is an important step in your development. You are not alone, and there are people who can help you.