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.

Parent helping her child with Maths, Image Source: Komodo Maths

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.

Students learning at MICS, Image Source: Morgan International Community School (MICS)

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.

Gideon Baiden

Gideon Baiden is a Trained Teacher, Creative Writer, Prompt Engineer, Publicist, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategist with a unique ability to merge storytelling with digital visibility.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *