How to Conquer Math Anxiety with Technology

by John Edelson of Time4Learning

For many students, math produces feelings of dread and anxiety. In the classroom, kids fear being humiliated if they don’t know how to solve a math problem or come up with the wrong answer. They feel pressured by their teachers, peers, and time constraints. Using technology to learn math removes these barriers and helps students find their comfort zone. So, it makes sense to turn to technology as an educational tool, especially if your kids are having trouble.

It is common for students to have trouble or need extra practice before fully understanding a lesson, especially with math. Math lessons follow a progression, so if your kids don’t have a solid understanding of the basics, or if they don’t quite grasp a concept, they may have difficulty later. It’s important to try and identify trouble areas early, or your child could develop “math anxiety.”

The best way to eliminate math anxiety is to present the exercises in a non-threatening way. If you find that your children are feeling defeated before opening a math book, try turning to technology to help them conquer their math fears. Oftentimes, computers can open doors in a way that textbooks can’t. And since computers have endless patience, they promote a can-do attitude instead of resistance.

Technology brings the material to life, making use of sight and sound to create an interactive learning experience. Time4Learning math lessons are taught by engaging characters in colorful, fun activities. For example, 3rd grade students learn “Parts of a Set or a Whole” in the Fractions & Decimals chapter as Frank and his pizzeria employees guide them through “Frank’s Fraction Pizzeria.”

Of course, you should use your best judgment when it comes to choosing games for your kids. Time4Learning also offers 100 educational games to play on the Time4Learning playground. While students are having fun playing, they are also learning from games such as Tetris, Pacman, Air Hockey and more.

Whether you’re looking for an online math curriculum for homeschool or afterschool help, Time4Learning is a popular choice for parents. It was just voted to the Homeschool.com “Top 100 Educational Websites” list for the second year in a row because it combines the technology kids love with the curriculum they need in a way that is both effective and fun. The preschool-8th grade curriculum includes 1000+ animated lessons, printable worksheets, and graded activities for language arts and math (including algebra).

Help your kids develop a solid math foundation by using a technology-based curriculum like Time4Learning. You’ll be amazed to see their grades improve and the stress disappear. You might even hear that math is fun!