– A lot of people are anxious about Math. Millions of adults lack confidence in their math abilities, a problem often taking root in bad early childhood experiences. This math anxiety can have long-lasting negative consequences, such as recurrent frustration in everyday life and missed career opportunities. And in an even more serious issue, research has shown that math angst can be transferred to your children, dooming them to academic failure. Yet every child is a natural-born mathematician, scientist and engineer.
– “The foundation for our critical thinking capability and comfort level with math is shaped during our earliest years, when the brain is growing exponentially,” said Dr. Susan Canizares, Chief Academic Officer at La Petite Academy. “Unfortunately, some of the most widespread fallacies about math skills are also tied to early childhood development. By dispelling these myths and providing positive, developmentally appropriate learning opportunities, we can ensure our children build the fundamental skills and self-assurance they’ll need for future success,” added Canizares.
So, what are these pernicious myths?
1. Children are born either good or bad at math.
2. If children don’t get the basics of math early on, they can always catch up.
3. Children can’t solve math problems.
4. Boys are better than girls at math.
5. Preschool math is only rote memorization.
Math learning (Wikimedia)
