Many parents today are concerned over their children’s struggles in learning mathematics, despite them putting in
100% effort. Here we have to remember two main points: firstly that math is like another language, Greek, Chinese,
Arabic and that is, it is abstract in form; secondly that approaching learning this language in the wrong way may lead
the learner into meeting unnecessary obstacles and exasperating him even more.
As such, children, who struggle with math, show little recall of even basic arithmetic facts, an inability to mentally
conceptualize the topics, the lack of development in comprehending numbers and finally much difficulty in
performing mathematical calculations through applying their working memory.
Here is a checklist of kids who show early signs of struggle in learning Math:
1 Struggle with counting
2 Mix up math symbols
3 Face difficulty with basic math operations
4 Counting with fingers for their math calculations
5 Unable to see the sequence of math operations
6 Difficulty keeping score in games
7 Demonstrate little success playing strategic or logic games
8 Confused with counting money and calculating change
9 Show little understanding of certain math concepts like time and fractions (proportions)
10 Exhibit lack of focus on the subject
So how does one help a child to overcome such struggles with math so that they can come out confident and
victorious?
1) GET INVOLVED
There is nothing more encouraging than a parent getting involved in his child’s learning journey. Instead of just
buying math and strategy games, do play along with him. Make it a family affair so as to not only motivate him but
also make this a bonding activity full of fun and laughter. Children learn a lot through example, so that a parent who
works out Sudoku puzzles, could get his child to do likewise at an early age.
2) DREDGE THE INTERNET FOR IDEAS
There are a host of ideas and opportunities that one can learn from the internet. Look up the sites and read up on
the benefits but pick the ones that you think can best suit your child. Time and effort invested here should pay its
dividends if you have the conviction and the passion.
3) MEMORY EXERCISES ARE LIKE BRAIN GYM WORKOUT
Memory exercises and puzzles strengthen the mental fitness and prepare any child for more challenging problems.
Such activities increase the attention span and will help any learner focus on more difficult tasks such as problem
sums and learning new concepts.
4) OBSERVE YOUR CHILD’S DOMINANT LEARNING STYLE
Every child is a unique learner. Observe your child’s dominant learning style. If he should be more inclined to learn
the kinesthetic way, you may want to give more movement and space for him to learn. The games must be the more
active kind to engage his attention while a more audio learner would appreciate your repetition in your instructions
and the clarity you will need in your wordings. Visual learners, more often the case, will like 2-D representations and
3-D manipulatives to figure out things. Nothing like a clock face to see how time moves and measuring cylinders to
work out volume and its estimates.
5) ENGAGE YOUR CHILD IN FUN HANDS-ON LEARNING
It is very important that children learn best the concrete way first. By manipulating with objects and fiddling with
tangibles like pizzas and how they can be divided while visualizing proportions or how their sub-parts can be re-
grouped, can then the mathematics element come into play. Children can then draw or see pictorially before getting
into the numerator-denominator representation of fractions. Sound foundation of math will allow them to build on
the complexity progressively with each level, hence reducing confusion and exasperation. A variability approach is
necessary.
Here in S.A.M. Hougang, we apply not only apply this C-P-A approach but also make our sessions fun-filled, hands-on
and meaningful.
6) FIND THE RIGHT ENRICHMENT SESSIONS FOR MEANINGFUL AND EFFECTIVE LEARNING
Parents can also consider getting support from good enrichment institutions with professionals who understand
children’s math struggles and can offer advice or partnership to help overcome this challenge. Since children’s
learning style and pace differ, customized programs are more highly recommended especially for younger children
who are just understanding the more formalized style of learning.
At S.A.M. Hougang, a simple yet comprehensive assessment allows us to share with parents, their children’s
performance and offer healthy suggestions on how to help overcome their children’s struggles with the subject.
7) HAVE YOUR CHILD DO A COMPREHENSIVE DIAGNOSTICS OR ASSESSMENT WHICH CAN PROVIDE A CLEAR
REPORT ON AREAS OF HIS STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES. DO MAKE SURE THERE IS A GOOD FOLLOW-UP LINE OF
ACTION AFTER THIS.
We welcome you to S.A.M. Hougang. Here we provide the opportunity for your child to take an assessment of the
spread of topics he should have mastered at his level and then offer a clear picture of the areas of concern together
with the areas of strengths he may possess. This report could be the first step to take to help your child with his
math struggles. Check out our customized programs, a follow-up, which allow students to figure out the lesson-cum-
learn portions independently with reinforcement work thereafter, assuring that the complete learn process has
taken place.
In short, recognizing your child’s stage of math learning is important before he falls behind in the understanding of
certain topics and progresses the school year. An early start (we run early classes from 3-4 years old), will allow your
child to steadily pick up in his math learning, and those who need more time will have a fair length of runway before
taking off. Our programs reinforce learning for the weaker and the average and challenge the stronger math
students to rise to greater heights. Our methodology encompasses sound theories of coaching the subject whilst our
curriculum is 100% aligned to the Singapore MOE syllabus, hence the name Singapore Math. Our target is to build
confidence in our students and to inculcate good self-discipline in tackling math work, a subject they will grow to
love.