When you think back to your first experiences learning math, do you feel excitement and wonder, or anxiety and dread? Maybe you’re somewhere in between.
If your answer is “anxiety and dread,” you’re not alone. Many people recall tear-stained homework, worn-down pencil erasers, and frustration that made math feel impossible. The American Psychological Association even has an entire page dedicated to helping students manage math anxiety.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way. While we can’t change our past experiences, we can create a brighter, less stressful math journey for our students. If you have learners who struggle with math anxiety, try one (or all!) of the strategies below.
1. Emphasize the Basics
When students lack a solid foundation in basic mathematical concepts, learning becomes like building a house on shaky ground. Each new concept adds weight, and without reinforcement, the structure eventually wobbles. Give students opportunities to revisit and strengthen foundational skills through games and activities they find fun and accessible.
2. Slow Way Down
We’ve never met a teacher who said, “I just have too much time to cover all these standards!” Slowing down may feel counterintuitive or even stressful (speaking of anxiety!), but investing extra time now can save time later. Spending one more day solidifying understanding is far more effective than reteaching the concept months down the road.
3. Teach Concepts, Not Procedures
As a middle and high school student, I struggled with math until college, when I realized I’d been approaching it all wrong. I had memorized formulas and steps without understanding why they worked. That’s like trying to memorize every sound combination in English instead of learning to read! Once I understood the reasoning behind the math, things began to click. Prioritize conceptual understanding so students see math as a language that makes sense, not a list of rules to memorize.
4. Use Manipulatives
Many students find math too abstract. Combat this by using manipulatives; anything that helps make ideas concrete. Tools can range from graph paper and counting blocks to scraps of paper—whatever allows students to visualize concepts and reduce cognitive load.
Want to dive deeper into this strategy? Check out course 5560: Transform Geometry Instruction with Manipulatives.
5. Grade Less, Practice More
Why do athletes get nervous for games but not for practice? The pressure to perform. What if math class felt more like practice, a place to experiment, explore, and grow, rather than a constant performance? Treat daily math learning as low-stakes practice time, and save formal grading for assessments.
6. Set a Homework Time Limit
Many of us remember late nights crying at the kitchen table, frustrated over homework we couldn’t figure out. Encourage students to set a productive struggle limit. For example, if an assignment should take 15 minutes, allow them to stop after 25 minutes of genuine effort. This keeps math practice positive and prevents burnout.
7. Write Math Autobiographies
At the start of the year, or a new unit, have students write a short math autobiography. Ask questions like:
- What has your experience with math been?
- How do you respond when math feels challenging?
- Do you enjoy math? Why or why not?
These reflections give valuable insight into students’ math mindsets and help you better support their specific needs.
8. Celebrate Mathematical Mistakes
Mistakes are one of the best parts of learning math! Celebrating them normalizes struggle, encourages risk-taking, and deepens understanding. Build a classroom culture where errors are seen as opportunities for discovery.
To learn more, explore course 5375: Celebrating Mathematical Mistakes.
Building math confidence starts with small, consistent changes. When students feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and make mistakes, they begin to see math as something they can do and even enjoy.
About the Author
Amy Szczepanski (she/her) is a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.S. in both Biology and Environmental Science, a Master’s in Teaching, and has been teaching since 2014. Amy uses her experience to create highly engaging and effective content for both teachers and students. She loves all things STEM and is passionate about teacher advocacy.
Fun fact: Amy’s favorite hobby is taking long walks through New York City searching for delicious treats.
