We were inspired by this article from Edutopia;  “When Teachers Overcome Math Anxiety, Students Benefit”, by Shelby Strong.

Here’s a quote that struck home:

“Methods of math instruction that focus on conceptual understanding may take longer than what we’re used to, but the positive results are well worth the time. The mysteries of fractions, integers, and variables, topics that often cause the greatest amount of distress, can all be unlocked by a solid understanding of arithmetic crafted in the early grades.”

We strongly believe that every child can learn math. No child should hate or fear math. We repeatedly emphasize this sentiment in our teacher training sessions, and recount our own traumatic math experiences from childhood. Again…. No child should hate or fear math.

As the article’s author says, “We have the power to break the cycle of math trauma and anxiety.”

We see five strategies in this quest:

1. Slow Down the Curriculum. The yearly plan on our website documents our dedication to this belief. We have FOUR major units in our 5th grade plan. Fractions, Patterns, Multiplication and Division. Anything else can wait. Just ask any middle school teacher if they’d rather have students who have mastered fractions, patterned thinking, mental math and word problems OR students who’ve been exposed to dozens of topics a year, only to have those skills turn into mental goulash when most needed.
2. Use Manipulatives. There are numerous studies on the efficacy of using manipulatives (Here is one)  that actually show an increase in standard test scores when using manipulatives. Our goal is not to raise 5th grade test scores, but rather to raise 8th/9th grade readiness for algebra, but – Hey! we’ll take it. How does this approach raise scores? Our students often tell us “Well, I’ve never seen this type of problem before, but I think I can figure it out.” Manipulatives give students tools, not rules.
3. Eliminate TIme Tests. Time tests do not teach number facts. They simply SORT students. Let children play with numbers. Play with patterns. Play with puzzles. Your fastest students don’t need the extra ego boost – instead, let them challenge themselves with complex patterns that truly expand their math understanding.
4. Take the Time to Figure Out How Math Works. Play with blocks yourself. Solve puzzles, look for patterns in art and nature and music.  Watch Graham Fletcher explain the visual evolution of children’s math thinking in these videos.
5. Offer Challenge Problems to Everyone. But make sure they are approachable for every student. Sometimes called “Low floor, high ceiling” tasks, these are problems that have at least one visual solution strategy. Let your visual learners soar!