Helping Children Overcome Maths Anxiety and Build Confidence
Maths anxiety is a prevalent issue among children in the UK, with over a third experiencing anxiety related to maths, according to research from the University of Cambridge. This anxiety can significantly impact their performance and willingness to learn. At Mathnasium UK, we specialize in transforming “I can’t” moments into “I can” breakthroughs through a unique, step-by-step approach that combines mindset, mastery, and encouragement.
Our approach is rooted in the understanding that maths confidence is not solely about ability, but also about belief. Phrases like “I’m not a maths person” or “I just can’t do numbers” are common among primary and secondary students, often stemming from a fixed mindset rather than a growth mindset. By fostering a growth mindset, we empower children to view challenges as opportunities for growth and development, rather than threats to their ego.
Building Confidence through a Growth Mindset
Studies by psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck have shown that when children are taught a growth mindset, they not only perform better but also feel better about learning. At Mathnasium, we incorporate this philosophy into our teaching methods by using positive language to reframe mistakes as learning opportunities, reinforcing effort and persistence, and replacing “I can’t do this” with “I can’t do this yet.” Our instructors model a growth mindset in every session, helping children adopt a positive mindset about their maths capabilities and resilience.
By adopting a growth mindset, children begin to view maths as a subject that can be mastered with effort and dedication, rather than an inherent talent. This mindset shift is crucial in helping children overcome maths anxiety and develop a more confident approach to learning.
Reducing Maths Anxiety through Supportive Learning
Maths anxiety can manifest in various ways, including blanking out, avoidance, or even physical symptoms like tummy aches before school. To combat this, Mathnasium creates a calm and encouraging environment where children feel safe to ask questions and try again. Our instructors introduce new concepts gradually, starting from the child’s current level, and use games and activities to make learning low-pressure and engaging.
By supporting emotional wellbeing and celebrating small wins, we help children develop a more positive association with maths. This approach has been shown to be effective in reducing maths anxiety and improving overall maths performance, according to National Numeracy.
Making Maths Fun and Relevant
Confidence comes when children enjoy what they’re learning. By bringing maths out of the textbook and into everyday life, we make the subject more engaging and relevant. For younger students, this can involve practising fractions through baking or learning shapes through puzzles and building blocks. For primary students, it might involve exploring percentages through shopping discounts or measuring time and distance on car journeys.
By making maths meaningful and fun, we boost motivation and show children why maths matters in real-life scenarios. This approach helps children develop a deeper understanding of maths concepts and builds confidence in their ability to apply them in practical situations.
Working with Families to Break the Cycle
Parents play a significant role in shaping how children feel about maths. Research has shown that parental anxiety about maths can be passed on to children, even when parents don’t directly teach the subject. At Mathnasium, we involve families at every stage, sharing progress regularly and offering practical tips for building maths into everyday home routines.
By working together with families, we help break the cycle of maths anxiety and foster a positive, relaxed attitude towards numeracy. This collaborative approach enables children to develop a more confident and resilient mindset, better equipping them to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
Delivering Mastery through Personalized Learning Plans
Confidence grows from competence. When children know exactly what they’re working on and why, it builds momentum. At Mathnasium, every student begins with a detailed diagnostic assessment, followed by a personalized learning plan that fills gaps and reinforces strengths. Our instructors provide one-to-one or small group tuition, reviewing progress regularly to ensure mastery at every step.
This approach helps children experience consistent success, build deep understanding, and develop a positive, confident approach to new challenges. By delivering mastery through personalized learning plans, we empower children to take ownership of their maths learning and develop a growth mindset that will serve them well throughout their lives.
To learn more about how Mathnasium can help your child build maths confidence and overcome anxiety, visit Here to book a free assessment and discover the Mathnasium difference.
