Math difficulties

Many students find math hard, and many adults remember bad experiences with math in school. Kids in school that are experiencing difficulties might say math is “boring” or “useless.” Not every difficulty in math is a sign of a serious problem. However, when a student shows significant and persistent difficulties, and progress is limited even with different teaching strategies, it may require more attention.

Young students with math difficulties might take a long time to recognize numbers or patterns or to learn to count. As they get older, they may struggle with concepts like addition or subtraction and later, algebra can become a nightmare. Outside school, they may struggle with things like reading clocks, counting money, or estimating distances.

What is typical?

Learning math is considered a “developmental skill”, and students develop math skills over time. Here’s what you might expect to see at different ages:

• Between ages 5 and 6: Students can count to 20, both forwards and backwards, associate numbers and quantities between 1 and 10, compare two amounts, and understand simple concepts like big/small and before/after.
• By age 7: Most students can count to 100 and begin to understand addition and subtraction.
• By age 9: Students start to understand multiplication and division.
• By age 10: Students learn advanced concepts like fractions, decimals, variables, and basic geometry.

With specific support and practice, most students can progress. Even those who struggle can show improvement with different explanations, such as the use of games and continuous review.

When should I be concerned?

There are several signs that show a student may be having math difficulties. These signs can vary based on the student’s age.

For young students:

• Number recognition and counting: Trouble recognizing numbers and counting.
• Connecting numbers with words: Difficulty connecting number symbols with words.
• Patterns and ordering: Struggling with patterns or ordering objects.

For older students:

• Basic math functions: Difficulty with basic math functions such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
• Word problems: Trouble understanding math concepts in word problems.
• Calculation errors: Making errors in simple calculations.
• Math homework and tests: Struggling with math homework and tests.
• Counting methods: Using fingers to count even after their peers have stopped.

Other difficulties might include:

• Everyday math tasks: Trouble with everyday math tasks like counting money and telling time.
• Remembering numbers: Difficulty remembering frequently used numbers.
• Real-life measurements: Struggling with real-life measurements and directions.
• Math symbols and concepts: Problems with understanding math symbols and concepts.
• Visual math: Difficulty interpreting graphs, charts, and other visual math representations.
• Time management and focus: Struggles with time management and maintaining focus during math activities.
• Emotional issues: Experiences emotional difficulties related to math challenges.
• Avoiding math activities: Avoids engaging in math-related activities and lacks confidence in math skills.
• Low self-esteem: Experiences low self-esteemrelated to math struggles.

When these difficulties prevent a student from participating fully in class and affect their emotional well-being, it is time to involve the school team, communicate with the family, and suggest specialized services.

What can I do to help?

As a teacher, remaining patient and supportive of a student with mathematics difficulties is key. Here are some things you can try:

1. Use visual aids and manipulatives.Provide tools like number lines, blocks, or charts to help students understand math concepts. These hands-on materials make abstract ideas more concrete and easier to grasp.
2. Break tasks into smaller steps.Simplify complex problems by dividing them into manageable parts. Guide students through each step to build confidence and understanding.
3. Incorporate math games.Use games that involve math skills to make learning fun and engaging. This approach can help students practice math in a relaxed setting.
4. Relate math to real-life situations.Connect math problems to everyday activities, like shopping or cooking. This helps students see the relevance of math in their daily lives.
5. Provide regular feedback.Give students immediate and specific feedback on their work. Highlight what they did well and offer simple suggestions for improvement.
6. Encourage regular practice.Suggest small daily exercises and encourage short problem-solving activities.
7. Document student’s struggles and progress.Keep notes on specific math errors and improvements. This helps track progress and tailor future lessons to address ongoing challenges.
8. Communicate with caregivers.Discuss the student’s difficulties with parents and other teachers. Sharing insights can lead to a more supportive learning environment at home and school.

Classroom Support

Talk to colleagues and school staff about possible accommodations your student may need. Some accommodations that may help include:

• Allow more time to solve math problems or tests.
• Offer exercises with smaller numbers or intermediate steps.
• Use a calculator or support materials in certain activities.
• Provide worked examples before proposing new problems.
• Reduce the number of exercises, prioritizing quality over quantity.
• Reinforce instructions with visual support or numbered steps.
• Ensure an environment with fewer distractions for completing tasks.

These strategies can help students improve their math skills and build confidence.

Keep notes on the student’s progress to share with the school team and family. Remember to record the strategies that work for each student, as this can guide other teachers in the future.

What kind of professional support can I seek out?

While you are not responsible for seeking professional support for a student, you play a crucial role in guiding caregivers toward the right help. You can suggest they speak with several types of professionals.

A psychopedagoguecan help with learning difficulties, and a neuropsychologistcan perform an assessment to better understand the student’s thinking and learning processes.

You can also inform families about free support available through the Unified Health System (SUS). Care often begins at the nearest Basic Health Unit (UBS), which can refer them to specialized services. These may include Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS i), Medical and Psychosocial Specialty Centers, and outpatient clinics at university or regional hospitals.

Within the school, you can also propose discussion groups and workshops on the topic with experts. Remember, the sooner a family is guided to the right support, the greater the student’s chances of receiving the care they need to succeed.