Tips for Teaching Homeschool Math to Struggling Learners

Simplicity is Key

Homeschool math for struggling learners can be challenging for several reasons. It’s no secret that math is sometimes intimidating for both children and adults. There are so many different ways to solve a problem, and the amount of strategies that home educators can use sometimes feels overwhelming. However, keeping things simple and adding in fun can help make homeschooling a child that’s struggling with math rewarding and fulfilling.

Start by getting simple math manipulatives from around your home, like buttons, dice, blocks, Lego pieces, pompoms, erasers, or cotton balls. You can even use your child’s toys if it will help capture their interest. Manipulatives are wonderful hands-on tools for teaching math because they can make lessons feel more like play and add an element of fun to a subject your child may feel frustrated with. Use the manipulatives to create math activities, like counting the pieces one by one, counting them as pairs or groups, subtracting a few from a group, and so on. 

With older students, you can try infusing technology into your homeschool math lessons as another approach to learning. This can give them new perspectives and strategies to help them build critical thinking skills independently. Sometimes a new approach to a concept can open the door to understanding, and it may take some trial and error to find the route that your child best connects with. 

Remember, you know your child BEST. When you see that they are struggling, change the environment or the tools you are teaching with and see how they respond. You’ll know what works when they are engaged in the lessons, understanding concepts, staying motivated, and improving their skills.

8 More Homeschool Math Tips for Struggling Learners

If you have a child who’s struggling with homeschool math, try these strategies in addition to Jenn and Chanty’s advice. 

1. Identify and address gaps. Look for any foundational gaps your child may have with math concepts, and focus on filling in these gaps before moving on to more complex topics. Using targeted resources, like an online math curriculum, can help address specific areas of difficulty.
   
   
2. Break concepts down. Breaking complex math concepts into smaller, more manageable parts can help your child understand the material and grow their confidence around tackling math problems. Provide step-by-step explanations, use manipulatives or visual aids, and hands-on activities to help your child grasp the underlying principles of each concept.
   
   
3. Find ‘just right’ challenges. Look for Goldilocks-level math work that isn’t too easy or too hard, but instead requires your child to take a small step further in their understanding of a concept without leaving them frustrated.  
   
   
4. Provide extra practice. Children who are struggling with math often benefit from additional practice. Provide plenty of opportunities for your child to reinforce their math skills through extra exercises, online math games, or even applying math concepts to day-to-day activities, like adding or subtracting groceries or adding and subtracting the number of animals you see coming and going in your yard. Repetitive practice of challenging math concepts can help build your child’s fluency over time.
   
   
5. Use multisensory approaches. Appeal to your child’s visual and tactile senses by counting blocks, using fraction tiles, or drawing shapes. Incorporate auditory elements into lessons by reading math problems aloud or using math songs and rhymes to aid memorization and understanding. If using an online math curriculum, make sure it connects with your child’s senses and offers multiple ways for them to engage with the material.
   
   
6. Seek outside help if needed. If your child continues to struggle with math, consider hiring a tutor who specializes in the subject, enrolling in an online math program, or joining a homeschool co-op math class. These resources can offer additional support and expertise to help address your child’s specific needs.
   
   
7. Celebrate small victories. Recognize and celebrate your child’s progress, no matter how small. Encourage their efforts along the way, which can help build your child’s confidence and build a positive mindset towards math.
   
   
8. Add engaging, hands-on learning activities. When a child is struggling to learn new concepts, adding play to the lessons can often help encourage them to keep up their hard work. You’ll find dozens of ideas to try in this post about homeschool hands-on math activities for preschool through 5th grade.