Why is Math so hard?

I was reading a great article by Faith Berens about homeschooling your struggling learner, and wanted to share a few of her thoughts here. This would apply to homeschoolers and school-schoolers alike, just a few tips if Math is just HARD! There is more info available on HSLDA's Struggling Learners resources webpage. Not a plug they've asked me to share, just a great resource from one mom in need of 'em to another!

Things you’re likely already doing:

• Use fun approaches for the basics, such as card games and computer games.
• Use music, movement, rhymes, and chants to help cement memorization.
• Use manipulatives and hands-on materials, such as everyday objects.
• Use a multi-sensory approach to teaching math, such as the Touch Math program.
• Look for workbooks that have large spaces to write in, few review problems, and not a lot of visual clutter.
• Provide concrete materials to build a strong foundation of concepts before moving into abstract concepts.
• Help your child to visualize and provide real life opportunities and situations, especially when working on problem solving and word problems.

Some other approaches:

• Model, model, model the problem-solving process, showing your child how to do it (using color and picture), before having him work on his own.
• Teach math processes “in depth” by using booklets comprised of all of one type of math problem, for instance, subtraction (such as Key Math or Spectrum workbooks). That way a child who is “brittle” in math has the opportunity to really learn a concept inside and out.
• Make a math “template” or example of the math concept/processes as you teach them (I like to use chart paper or poster board from the local teacher store.). Hang this template/example up high so he can readily refer to it. This rich representation with color and pictures will help your child store it in his long-term memory!
• Use color, pictures, and humor (such as silly stories) when teaching math facts.
• Have your child work out practice problems on a white board using different and vivid colors. Make sure the process is firmly cemented before moving into pencil/paper or workbook practice.