10 Effective Math Strategies
With some careful planning and a little creativity, you can make math practice effective and fun.
Author
Jill Padfield
Published:
September 2025
Key takeaways
- Make it meaningful – Practice should help foster understanding and appreciation for the math skill. It shouldn’t feel like busy work.
- Make it relevant – Connecting the math skills you want to practice to the real world will help your learner see the value and importance of math.
- Make it fun – With interactivity and creativity, math practice can be enjoyable and much more effective.
The prospect of getting an eight-year-old to not only wrap their head around math but also to not hate the process is daunting. Fortunately, you can lean on these 10 strategies to make the process more enjoyable for both you and your learner.
Start with Clear Instructions & Hands-On Learning
- Review basics and prerequisite skills.
- Use objects like LEGOs or M&Ms to visualize math problems.
- Have your child explain each step of a solved problem.
Use Fun Tools & Games
- Play board games like Monopoly or Candyland to practice math.
- Create sports-based math games for active learners.
Encourage Teamwork
- Practice with siblings or friends.
- Keep sessions collaborative to build confidence.
Explain Math Vocabulary in Everyday Language
- Define terms simply and often.
- Use manipulatives to connect terms to real objects.
- Reinforce vocabulary through repetition and discussion.
Make Practice Interactive & Enjoyable
- Replace worksheets with puzzles or riddles.
- Use scavenger hunts or mystery games tied to math answers.
Connect Math to Real Life
- Cook together to practice fractions and time.
- Discuss budgets or plan a lemonade stand.
- Relate math to your child’s dream job.
Incorporate Art & Creativity
- Use building and design to teach counting and geometry.
- Let kids create their own math games.
Promote Reflection & Journaling
- Encourage your child to track progress and reflect on growth.
- Use journaling to build resilience and motivation.
Tailor Activities to Learning Style
- Observe what works best: visual, hands-on, or verbal.
- Personalize word problems with your child’s interests.
Build Confidence & Support Reluctant Learners
- Normalize mistakes as part of learning.
- Celebrate small wins and progress.
- Encourage journaling about successes and feelings.
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FAQs about math strategies
Children have varying learning styles and paces, and some might find abstract concepts in math more challenging. Factors such as cognitive development, learning disabilities, previous educational experiences, and even emotional or psychological factors can contribute to their struggles.
Regular assessments, both formal and informal, can highlight areas of difficulty. Discussing with their teacher, using diagnostic tools, or observing your child’s homework and test performance can provide insights. Once identified, you can focus on these areas with targeted strategies or seek specialized help.
Yes. Many educational apps, like DreamBox, and software are designed with adaptive learning technology that personalizes lessons based on a student’s proficiency level. These tools often use gamification, interactive visuals, and immediate feedback to engage and motivate learners, making math more accessible and enjoyable.
If consistent efforts, personalized strategies, and school interventions don’t seem to be helping, or if your child’s struggles are leading to a noticeable decline in confidence or increased aversion to math, it might be time to consider external assistance. A tutor can provide one-on-one support, addressing specific challenges and boosting your child’s understanding and confidence.
Always consult an expert whenever possible.
