Four Common Reasons Why Children Not Liking Math Should Be On Your Radar

Who likes Math? If we ask this question to children, perhaps most of the children will express that they feel Math means facing complicated formulas, with many figures lined up and too many zero behind it and their brains feel overwhelmed by looking at the long numbers. Conversely, for those who really like this subject, numbers will look like a long, beautiful march!

In fact, we find counting in our daily life. For example, if our children go shopping, they have to count the change or their money; or if they want to share their stuff with their friends, they have to distribute some candies equally to their siblings, etc.

School is a formal activity that includes learning Math, from basic concepts to advanced ones. Why do children end up hating this certain subject? First, usually because they feel saturated by the lesson or the delivery method is unattractive. Sometimes children may feel scared or confused when facing figures either because of feeling inadequately prepared when learning mathematical concepts or because of how the material is conveyed. Second, they may be forced to calculate unusual numbers that children may never encounter or experience in their daily lives. Just imagine: math not being only difficult, but its problems making you confused. Why don’t we make things easier by teaching children with concepts that they often encounter in their daily lives? When we present math on a day-to-day approach or by using examples that are commonly found in their everyday activities, the children will enjoy doing it. Third, children are commonly required to immediately understand what they are taught and consequently receive challenging questions or problems that they may not comprehend yet. Not to mention that the tasks must be completed at home without the assistance of an instructor. Fourth, children may not like the teacher, and then, on top of that, they hate the subject. 

So, what must we do if our children are among those who hate Math? 

  1. We have to realize that if we discover that our children are experiencing difficulties in basic math, such as in simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division that we must take steps to familiarize them with the concepts. They should try to memorize basic math and should review the lesson at home so that the burden of the responsibility does not solely fall to their schools. Frequently practicing or exercising basic math at home will help the children to the concepts and ultimately they will no longer hesitate when they face numerical values, and this will build their confidence.
  2. Try to create activities for memorizing and understanding the concept of simple addition, multiplication, and division through an interesting game (i.e. playing school, cashier at the shop, monopoly, snake and ladder, etc.), story, puzzle, or various other forms so that the children do not feel that they are being forced or commanded to immediately answer any given problem.
  3. Delivery methods should be exciting so that children can enjoy what they are experiencing. Conversely, if it is not packed with fun and does not make the children enjoy what they are doing then this may cause them to feel overwhelmed and they may eventually hate the subject.
  4. Also try to understand how your child learns as well. Try and find out if she/he is a visual, physical or auditory learner.  This will help you know how to help he/she learn the most easiest.

If there is a pleasant atmosphere and environment that appreciates whatever our children can achieve, inshaAllah it will keep them from resisting instruction and may eliminate boredom.

There are two verses of the Holy Qur’an in Surah An Nasyroh (Ash Sharh) which read:

“Fa inna ma’al ‘ usri ‘ yusra (5)” “For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease [i.e. relief]” and “Inna ma’al ‘ usri yusra (6)” “Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.

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