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Mathematics is often seen as a tough subject, yet it plays a vital role in everyday life, significant from budgeting pocket money to solving real-world problems. But for many children, math feels like a mountain too steep to climb. As parents and educators, we can shift this narrative by focusing not just on memorization, but on true understanding. The key lies in making math meaningful, relatable, and even enjoyable.
Sarah and the Kuih Stall
Sarah was nine years old when she decided to help her grandmother sell kuih at the pasar malam (night market) during the school holidays. Together, they made trays of colourful kuih lapis, onde-onde, and seri muka. A small handwritten sign read: “kuih – 80 sen sebiji.” (kuih 80 sen each”).
By the end of the evening, Sara was excited to count the day’s earnings. Her grandmother had sold 50 pieces, so Sarah expected RM40. But when she counted the cash, she only found RM36.40.
Confused, she checked her notebook, where she had jotted down some sales. A few customers had bought 3 pieces and given RM5, saying, “Keep the change.” Others paid with large notes, and Sarah sometimes forgot to give back exact change. After sitting with her grandmother and going through the numbers one by one, they realized she had made a few small errors in returning change, but also received some tips without noticing.
That evening at the pasar malam taught Sarah more about math than she ever expected: how to multiply, subtract, manage money, and above all, how math connects to real life.
Stories like Sarah’s show us what happens when math becomes meaningful. It’s no longer just about numbers on a page. It becomes a tool to solve problems, make decisions, and build confidence.
So how do we help more children experience this kind of learning?
Start with a Positive Mindset
Before diving into methods and tools, it’s important to talk about mindset; yours and your child’s. Some adults carry their own anxieties or negative experiences with math, which they unintentionally pass on to children. Statements like “I was never good at math” or “math is just hard” can influence how children view their own abilities.
Instead, adopt a growth mindset. Say things like, “Math is a skill we can all improve with practice” or “It’s okay to make mistakes; that’s how we learn.” When children believe they can get better at math, they’re more likely to stay motivated even when they face difficulties.
Focus on Concepts, Not Just Procedures
Children often struggle in math not because the subject is too complex, but because they don’t understand what they’re doing or why. They may know that 7 x 8 = 56, but they don’t grasp the concept of multiplication as repeated addition or grouping.
To promote deeper understanding, go beyond rules and procedures. Use concrete objects like blocks, beads, or even food items to demonstrate how numbers work. Show them that 3 x 4 means “3 groups of 4 apples” or “4 rows of 3 buttons.” This kind of hands-on learning helps children visualize math and internalize concepts more effectively than memorization alone.
Use Real-Life Contexts
Math becomes easier to understand when it’s connected to the real world. Bake a cake and ask your child to measure ingredients. Let them calculate how much change they should get at a store. Use grocery shopping to talk about unit prices and discounts. Plan a family trip and involve them in calculating distances, time, and cost.
When children see how math shows up in daily activities, they begin to appreciate its relevance. This also builds their problem-solving skills and helps them approach math with more confidence.
Encourage Visual Thinking
Mathematics is more than numbers; it’s also shapes, patterns, and relationships. Visuals like diagrams, charts, and number lines can be powerful tools for building understanding.
Examples: Use number lines to teach addition and subtraction. Draw arrays to show multiplication. Use pie charts to explain fractions. Sketch geometric shapes and let children explore how their sides and angles work.
Some children are visual learners, and seeing the math can make abstract ideas click. Even children who don’t identify as visual learners benefit from linking symbols to images and actions.
Play Math Games
Games bring an element of fun and reduce math anxiety. They also promote strategic thinking, logical reasoning, and fluency with numbers. You don’t need fancy tools. Consider simple games such as Uno (for number recognition and patterning), Monopoly (for money and counting), or Sudoku (for logic and patterns).
Talk About Math
We often talk to children about reading, storytelling, and language, but how often do we talk about math? One of the best ways to increase understanding is to discuss math openly and often. Ask questions such as: “What’s another way we could solve this?”; “Why do you think that works?”; “Does this answer make sense?”
Encourage children to explain their thinking, even if they get the wrong answer. This develops their reasoning and helps you see where they might be confused.
Personalize the Learning
Every child is unique, and their learning styles vary. Some may love working with patterns, others prefer solving word problems. Some like working alone, others need a buddy. Pay attention to your child’s preferences and adapt your approach. If your child enjoys art, use math in drawing and design. If they’re into sports, talk about scores, averages, and statistics. If they like music, explore rhythm, beats, and fractions. Personalizing math helps children see it not as an isolated subject but as something connected to their interests.
Emphasize Effort Over Speed
Too often, children equate being “good at math” with being fast. But real understanding is about depth, not speed. Let your child know it’s okay to take their time and think carefully. Praise their persistence, logical thinking, and the strategies they use; not just correct answers. When children are rushed or pressured to “get it right,” they may focus on guessing or memorizing rather than thinking deeply. A slower, more thoughtful approach builds lasting understanding and reduces anxiety.
Work on Foundational Skills
Sometimes, children struggle with more complex topics because they missed something earlier. For example, a child who doesn’t understand place value will find it hard to do multiplication or division. Reviewing and strengthening foundational skills such as number sense, counting, place value, and basic operations, can help a child move forward with confidence. Don’t be afraid to go back to basics if needed. It’s not a setback; it’s part of the learning journey.
Partner with Teachers
Teachers play a critical role in a child’s math development. Stay in touch with your child’s teacher to understand what’s being taught, how your child is doing, and how you can support learning at home. If your child struggles with math, don’t wait too long to ask for help. Teachers can recommend extra resources, give targeted practice, or even suggest assessments if they suspect a learning difference.
Model Lifelong Learning
Finally, show your child that learning math is a lifelong journey. Share moments when you use math in your work or daily decisions. Talk about times when you had to learn something new or overcome a challenge. When children see adults value and enjoy learning, they’re more likely to follow suit.
Conclusion
Improving a child’s understanding of math is not about drilling facts or rushing through worksheets. It’s about building a strong foundation of curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking. With the right mindset, tools, and support, every child can develop a genuine understanding of math and even come to enjoy it. Math isn’t just about numbers. It’s about learning how to think, reason, and solve problems. And that’s a gift we can all help our children discover.
Featured image by stevepb
