One of my very first math lesson is about making mistakes. I tell my students that I LOVE math mistakes because it is the best way to start discussions, talk about out work, and teach us how to prove and justify our work. I can almost see my students breathe a sigh of relief when they realize I am not expecting them to magically perform perfectly!
The truth is, many students come to math with anxiety. Their beliefs about their abilities are tied to their self-esteem and for some students math can become something to avoid at all costs.
There are some things we can do, as math teachers, to alleviate children's math stress and create a safe, and supportive environment for learning math.
1. Talk about the importance of errors. Students should look at errors as a way to learn. Jo Boaler's new book, Mathematical Mindset addresses how making mistakes grows our brains and is part of the creative process.
2. Avoid timed tests. Timed tests create huge anxiety for students and many are beginning to rethink how effective these are in getting our students to fluency with their math facts.
3. Provide opportunities for team work. Students can feel a sense of security when working with the support of others. Building a group consensus can build communication skills and self-confidence.
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