Understanding the Root Causes and Proven Solutions for Better Math Skills
Key Takeaways Before You Read:
Math struggles are common and often stem from fear, poor foundations, or teaching methods.
Parents can help by being supportive, using real-life examples, and practicing regularly.
Mindset matters—building confidence is key to overcoming math anxiety.
Schools like Morgan International Community School (MICS) offer structured support for math mastery.
If your child dreads math lessons, avoids homework, or feels anxious before tests—you’re not alone. Thousands of children struggle with mathematics, and it’s not because they aren’t smart. Often, the real issue lies in how math is taught, perceived, and practiced.
This article explores why students struggle with math, how parents and educators can respond, and what kind of environment best supports long-term improvement. Schools like Morgan International Community School (MICS) in Gomoa Manso, Ghana, are already using some of these effective strategies to turn math anxiety into math confidence—and so can you.
1. Why Do Children Struggle With Maths?
Understanding the root causes is the first step in providing the right help. Here are some common reasons:
a. Weak Foundational Skills
Many students never fully grasp key concepts like place value, multiplication, or fractions early on. As topics build on one another, weak foundations make future learning difficult.
b. Teaching Methods That Don’t Match Learning Styles
Some students are visual learners; others need hands-on activities. A one-size-fits-all approach in math instruction can leave many behind.
c. Fear and Anxiety
Math is often seen as a “right or wrong” subject, leading to fear of failure. This anxiety creates a mental block that limits performance.
d. Lack of Practice and Relevance
Math requires consistent practice. Without regular application—and connection to real-life scenarios—students may struggle to see its value and forget concepts quickly.
2. Signs Your Child May Be Struggling With Math
Avoids or procrastinates math homework,
Frequently says, “I’m just not good at math”,
Performs well in other subjects but poorly in math,
Gets frustrated or anxious during math tests,
Makes consistent errors in basic calculations,
If you notice these signs, it’s time to take action.
3. How Parents Can Help at Home
Supporting your child’s math journey doesn’t require advanced knowledge—just intentional effort and the right strategies.
a. Make Math Relatable
Use everyday activities to teach concepts:
Budgeting with allowances.
Cooking (measuring ingredients).
Grocery shopping (unit pricing, change).
b. Encourage a Growth Mindset
Remind your child that math skills improve with practice and effort. Celebrate small wins and avoid negative labels like “bad at math.”
c. Practice Little and Often
Short, daily math sessions work better than cramming. Use workbooks, apps, or flashcards to keep it fun and interactive.
d. Be Patient and Positive
Avoid showing frustration. Your attitude toward math influences your child’s mindset. Stay calm, offer support, and celebrate progress.
4. How Schools Can Make a Difference
Quality schools play a vital role in shaping a child’s attitude and ability in math. They provide:
Individualized attention,
Diverse teaching strategies,
A strong foundation before moving to advanced topics,
Emotional and academic support systems.
One school doing this exceptionally well is Morgan International Community School (MICS). Located in Gomoa Manso, MICS blends academic rigor with personalized instruction. The school’s math department is known for:
Using a blend of visual, practical, and digital tools
Encouraging curiosity and peer collaboration
Regular diagnostic assessments to identify and fix learning gaps
These are the kind of systems that turn struggling learners into confident problem-solvers.
5. Consider Extra Support
If your child continues to struggle, you might explore:
Math tutoring (in person or online)
Educational apps and games that reinforce concepts
Study groups or math clubs
Counseling to address math-related anxiety
At institutions like MICS, students benefit from structured support programs, after-school tutorials, and access to trained math educators who understand that every child learns at a different pace.
It’s Not Too Late to Help
Struggling with math doesn’t define your child—it just means they need the right tools and support. With patience, encouragement, and the right school environment, every child can improve and even come to enjoy math.
If you’re seeking an academic home where math is taught with clarity, compassion, and innovation, Morgan International Community School is leading the way in transforming the way students think about numbers.
