Maths difficulties

Many children find maths hard, and many adults remember their own school maths struggles. Often, children think, “This is boring” or “I’ll never use this.” For some, maths just doesn’t “click.”

Young children who have trouble with maths might take a long time to recognize numbers or patterns or learn how to count. As they get older and learn numbers, they might have difficulty with addition, subtraction, and later, with algebra. Outside of school, these children might also have a hard time remembering numbers like phone numbers or game scores. They might struggle to read clocks, count money, or even estimate distances or time for tasks. Maths problems can make everyday life harder because we do need maths for many daily tasks.

What is typical?

Learning maths is a developmental skill, and children develop maths skills over time. Here’s what you might expect to see at different ages:

• By ages 5: Children should be able to rote count to 10 and identify numbers from 1- 5. Can touch count up to 10 objects reliably.
• By age 6: Children can rote count to 100 and identify numbers 1 – 20.
• By age 7 (By end of Grade 1): Most children can count to 100 and begin to understand addition and subtraction. They should be able to count backwards from 20 and begin to learn to count in twos. They should be able to count backwards from 20 and begin to learn to count in twos. They should be able to count backwards from 20 and begin to learn to count in twos and 10’s. Identification of number words from one – twenty.
• By age 9: Children start to understand multiplication. Maths bonds become more automated, and children shouldn’t have to use concrete aids anymore.
• By age 10: Children learn advanced concepts like division, fractions, and basic geometry. Multiplication tables from 2 – 12 become automated.

When should I be concerned?

There are several signs that show a child may be having maths difficulties. These signs can vary based on the child’s age.

For young children age 5 – 7:

• Recognising numbers: Your child may have trouble recognising numbers.
• Learning to count: Your child may experience delays in learning to count.
• Connecting numbers with words: Your child may find it difficult to connect numbers (like 5) with words (like “five”).
• Comparing numbers: Your child may not know which of two numbers is larger.
• Recognising patterns: Your child may struggle to recognise patterns or order things from smallest to largest.
• Adding single-digit numbers

For older children (Ages 8 and up):

• Basic maths operations: Your child may struggle to learn basic maths operations like addition and subtraction. And may struggle to automate simple bonds to 20 and timetables to 12.
• Understanding word problems: Your child may have trouble understanding word problems.
• Estimating time: Your child may find it hard to estimate how long a task will take.
• Maths homework and tests: Your child may struggle with maths homework and tests.
• Keeping up in maths class: Your child may have difficulty keeping up with classmates in maths.
• Visual maths concepts: Your child may struggle with visual ideas like graphs and charts.

Outside of school:

• Remembering numbers: Your child may forget common numbers like phone numbers or game scores.
• Counting money: Your child may have trouble counting money or estimating costs.
• Reading clocks: Your child may have difficulty reading clocks or telling time.
• Judging distances: Your child may have problems judging distances or measurements.
• Remembering directions: Your child may struggle to remember directions.
• Keeping score in games: Your child may have difficulty keeping score in games.
• Frustration with maths tasks: Your child may get upset when they cannot solve a maths problem.

What can I do to help?

As a caregiver, being patient and supportive is important when helping a child with maths difficulties. Here are some things you can try:

1. Use everyday math. Involve your child in cooking or shopping to practice counting, measuring, and adding. This makes maths fun and relatable. Use everyday maths language such as ‘more than’, ‘less than’, ‘sharing/dividing’
2. Play maths games. Use board games or apps that involve numbers and problem-solving. These games can improve maths skills while keeping your child entertained.
3. Use games with dice for younger children and encourage them to add the number on the dice.
4. Practice maths facts. Use flashcards or apps to help your child memorise basic maths facts like addition and multiplication. This builds a strong foundation for more complex maths.
5. Create a maths-friendly environment. Have maths tools like rulers, calculators, and graph paper available. Encourage your child to use them during homework or play.
6. Set a regular maths time. Dedicate a specific time each day to maths practice. Consistency helps reinforce learning and builds routine.
7. Break tasks into smaller steps. Help your child tackle maths problems by breaking them into smaller, manageable parts. This reduces frustration and boosts confidence.
8. Praise effort, not just results. Encourage your child by acknowledging their hard work and persistence. This fosters a positive attitude towards learning maths.

What kind of professional support can I seek out?

Sometimes, caregivers feel concerned if their child has difficulties with mathematics. Others hope the issue will resolve on its own.

If your child’s maths difficulties persist for more than a few weeks, seek an evaluation from a professional or assistance from your child’s school. Addressing the issue early is beneficial for your child’s mathematical skills and confidence.

There are several types of professionals in schools that may be able to help, including special education teachers and educational specialists. These professionals, especially those who have experience with students who learn differently, can provide effective support.

Educational psychologists can assess the learning difficulty and can help your child build skills. They also teach caregivers how to support their child at home.

Public services are also available at your local clinic.

When looking for affordable services, it may also be helpful to explore local non-governmental organisations which offer services to families.

Local universities may offer services to the public as part of professional training programmes.

Please don’t give up if you don’t have success in your first attempts at getting help. Go back to the services listed above and look at our online list for additional resources or support. Your child is worth the effort.

Where to find more information

For detailed information on mental health conditions, visit our guides for health professionals.