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Is Struggle a Necessary Part of the Math Learning Process?
Rochelle Matthews-Somerville, PhD
September 2024 | Finding Support
How Will I Know When to Step in and Offer Help?
As parents, one of the most challenging aspects of teaching math is watching our children struggle. We often wonder, “Should it really be this hard?” It’s natural to want to remove obstacles, especially when our kids face challenges—whether from learning disabilities, developmental differences, or just working through a tough subject. However, not all struggle is bad. In fact, some struggles are essential for growth and help develop critical life skills like persistence, grit, determination, and dedication—skills that lay the foundation for success not only in math but in life.
What is the Value of Struggle in Math Learning?
It’s important to remember that for many of us, struggle is a part of the learning process. Much like lifting weights to build muscles, working through tough math problems builds mental strength.
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The brain is like a muscle—it grows when it’s pushed. Struggle in math can teach children valuable problem-solving skills, the ability to think critically, and the perseverance to continue when the path isn’t clear.
For many students, this struggle is a normal part of learning. But for students with disabilities or special needs, the struggle can feel overwhelming. That’s when distinguishing between destructive frustration and productive struggle is key.
How Do I Differentiate Between Productive Struggle and True Frustration?
Productive struggle happens when a child is pushed just beyond their current level of understanding. It’s challenging but within reach, fostering a sense of accomplishment once they go through. On the other hand, frustration occurs when a task is too far beyond their grasp, leading to anxiety or a shutdown.
As parents and educators, we need to strike the balance between allowing productive struggle and recognizing when to step in and offer support. It’s not about letting our children “sink or swim” but rather guiding them in a way that promotes persistence without discouragement.
Can Building Life Skills Through Struggle Enhance Math Learning?
When children work through math struggles, they’re learning much more than how to solve an equation or graph a function. They’re developing grit—that blend of passion and perseverance that will serve them in every area of life. Grit is a key factor in long-term success, even more so than intelligence or natural talent. By tackling challenging math problems, children also learn dedication. They see firsthand that hard work pays off, and they learn that not all things in life come easily. These are lessons that apply to relationships, careers, and personal goals. Persistence is another skill fostered through math struggles. When students encounter something they can’t solve immediately, they learn the importance of trying different approaches, seeking help when needed, and sticking with a task until it’s completed. This perseverance builds confidence and independence, teaching children that they are capable of overcoming difficulties.
How Can I Support the Struggle in the Learning Process?
Of course, math doesn’t have to be an uphill battle all the time. Here are 5 tips to support your child in their struggles to ensure that they are productive rather than defeating.
Break tasks into smaller steps: If a concept is overwhelming, help your child see the smaller victories along the way.
Provide tools for success: Manipulatives, visual aids, and technology are great resources to support your child through challenges. The Math Learning Center is a great resource for exploring elementary math concepts and GeoGebra is a dynamic software known for offering tools to support graphing, algebra, calculus, and probability.
Be patient: Learning math takes time, so be mindful that sometimes children will need to struggle with a concept before they truly grasp it -- and that's okay.
Encourage a Growth Mindset: Celebrate effort, not just success. Remind your child that mistakes are part of learning. Praise effort, persistence, and improvement, rather than correct answers.
Seek support: Build your support team if challenges persist. A tutor can be a great asset to both you and the child.
Okay... When Should I Step In and Offer Guidance?
I would love to offer you the magic formula -- but there is none! As parents, you know your child best which means you are the best to judge when a struggle is no longer productive. If your child becomes increasingly frustrated, overwhelmed, or anxious, it might be time to pause. It’s okay to take a break or approach the problem differently. The goal isn’t to force struggle but to support learning and growth.
For children with disabilities, especially, it’s crucial to use accommodations and strategies that make the learning process more accessible while still encouraging persistence and problem-solving. Whether through assistive technology, modified tasks, or specialized teaching approaches, the key is to ensure that they experience challenges in a way that leads to progress rather than frustration.
Embracing the Process
Struggle is often seen as something to avoid, but when approached correctly, it can be one of the most valuable tools in our homeschool toolbox. Math may not always come easily, but that’s okay. The real value comes from working through the hard parts, learning that some things take time, and understanding that persistence can lead to success in more than just math. So the next time your child hits a roadblock in math, take a deep breath and remind yourself—and them—that this struggle is part of a bigger picture. It’s not just about getting the right answer; it’s about building the character and resilience that will help them navigate life’s challenges. And those are lessons worth learning.
In the end, the struggles we allow our children to face today will equip them with the perseverance, determination, and grit they need for tomorrow.
As homeschooling parents, we have the opportunity to create an environment where struggles are seen not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. Embrace the journey, and know that through the challenges, your child is developing skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
If you're feeling uplifted but still in need of some extra support, don’t hesitate to contact the EFM team. We’re always here to help!
Are you looking for more community to support your homeschool journey? Consider joining our Facebook group. Be encouraged and equipped with resources in a community with other like-minded homeschoolers on the same journey as you!