I am absolutely a recovering math phobic. Math anxiety could literally be my middle name. I truly believe that I have undiagnosed dyscalculia. I fit absolutely every characteristic to a T. Growing up, this wasn’t really a thing. I didn’t fit the criteria to gain an IEP for a learning disability, so I was just the kid who hated and struggled with math.
Math has always been confusing, which led to it being hard, which led to it being discouraging, scary, embarrassing, and a literal fear. I would avoid it at ALL COSTS. I wish someone had really pushed me to be more open to math, which almost feels funny to say!
As a special educator myself, I know that I am not unique in this way. Math anxiety is pervasive. Often the way math is portrayed, it’s that the teacher tells the students how to do a mathematical computation, and the students do it. This creates a very black and white, right and wrong approach to math.
These 3 tips can help ease the math anxiety floating around your classroom and your school.
Use behavioral momentum
One of the biggest hurdles with anything that makes us anxious is the anticipation. Often the lead up to a math lesson, test, or activity is the hardest part. Try using behavioral momentum! This might sound fancy, but we use this strategy with ourselves everyday. Before starting a more challenging math activity or new lesson, start out small and engaging. Play a math game with students that is accessible where most or all of your students will feel success. This gets that part of their brains working, and eases them into math. The anticipation isn’t as great when they have some momentum going into it!
“Success is like a snowball. You have to get it moving! The more you roll it in the right direction, the bigger it gets.” – Steve Ferrante
Math specific affirmations
This may sound silly, but affirmations are a research proven, evidence-based practice. Using specific language for students to help them with their mindset can truly be life changing. I created this simple set of math affirmation cards and journals for kids in school that are like me! I wish someone had prioritized affirming me and letting me know that I could be open to and successful at math. While it may seem like these would be reserved for your students with math anxiety, these can be so powerful for ALL of your students. Don’t skip out!
“My determination sets me apart from the rest.”
Make it accessible
Having a “math brain” is a myth! Many students truly believe that they are not math-minded because they prefer creative writing or playing basketball. This could not be further from the truth! While preferences will always exist, our brains are capable of being successful at all things. Letting kids know that math brains are not a thing, we all have math brains! Show pictures and stories of mathematicians of all genders and skin colors, and how math is used in many careers. Pulling back the curtain and showing how math is expansive can help students feel more open to the subject.
“Every child is a mathematician.”
What do you think? How do you help combat math anxiety in your classroom?
