Why is Math the Hardest Subject in

School?
By Kelly J Thomas
(Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_J_Thomas)

Most children consider math to be the hardest subject in school. Their case may be merely
an emotional one. However, we have to investigate the reasons behind this widespread hatred of
math in children. If your child does not like math, these can be the following reasons for your
child's dislike; (1) inability to comprehend the basics of math, (2) natural aptitude
against math, (3) boring material and syllabus for math classes, (4) uninspiring
teaching methods, (5) no interest of the parents.

If you do not develop a liking in your child for math during pre-school, your child may not
be able to develop a natural aptitude for math. Kids like to play with toys, play various interesting
little games and making paintings or the like. Parents should try to teach the child about
counting things and the basic concepts in their routine activities. This does not make it a
boring task and your child develops a natural aptitude for math. This will solve another problem
for your child as well. This will develop a very strong base for math in your child and when he will
go to school he will not be behind the other students. Having developed an aptitude for math,
your child will perform better in his subject.

Another problem that makes math the hardest subject in school is an inefficient
and boring math syllabus. The syllabus should be developed while keeping the level and the
liking of children. They find math to be boring and disgusting because syllabus books present it in
a dry and boring manner. The next cause that makes math the hardest subject in school
is the teaching method. If the teacher himself or herself does not like math, how could she be
able to generate an interest in the subject for your child? Teachers do not give examples from
every day life. The children start to assume that math does not have any importance in their
lives. Then why should they study a subject that has no utility in real life? This is why children
start loosing interest in math. To make math an interesting subject, teachers have to make it a
living subject with examples from the every day life of children.

Most of the teachers focus all their energies to prevent mistakes and the
creative abilities of children go unnoticed for the most part. This method creates a
negative impression about math. If we take away inventiveness from the subject then boring
addition or multiplication makes math the hardest subject in school. Children may develop
distaste for math in the long run.

There is another major factor that makes math the hardest subject for your child. Mostly
parents do not give proper attention and encouragement to children. You may not be
able to solve syllabus or teaching method problems.

However you can save your child from failure in math at your own home.

Schools can not give attention to each child; the teachers have to teach to the whole class.
Parents can give attention to their child's problems. You can make math an interesting
subject for your child by playing math games or assigning amusing math tasks. The
homework routine should be made fun for the child. You must take interest in your
child's homework and help her wherever she needs it. If you find it difficult to give the
necessary help to your child, you can hire someone who can make math an interesting
subject for your child.
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