i'm really stuck on my math homework

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Why Being Stuck in Math isn't Actually a Problem

Whenever I found myself stuck on a math question at school, my teacher would smile broadly and say: "Great! If you're not getting stuck once in a while, you're not trying hard enough."

As a student, that irritated me no end; as an adult - and as a tutor - I understand where he was coming from. Kids naturally tend to enjoy solving the the simple problems that they get right first time. This is important and shouldn’t be overlooked as it does wonders for confidence levels, but we know that in order to improve at math (or anything, really) we need to stretch ourselves.  

The further your child gets into learning mathematics, the more time he or she can expect to spend being stuck. This isn't exactly surprising - the problems get harder!

At the very top end of the 'stuckness' scale is a math puzzle known as Fermat’s Last Theorem which baffled mathematicians for centuries. Fermat, in 1637, wrote down the theorem in the margin of a book basically saying ‘I’ve proven this but don’t have room to write it down here.’ This was the ultimate tease for generations of mathematicians who spent more than 300 years falling over themselves trying to solve it with no success. (So, as you can see, being stuck in math is fairly common.)

As a parent, it's tough to watch your children struggle with something. Your instinct is usually to help out but that's not always the best thing to do - it can be like telling someone the ending of their favourite TV show, or spoiling a riddle. Being stuck in math is part of the process, so rather than guide them towards the answer, you can help them develop strategies for getting unstuck themselves. 

Talk about the question... without giving away the answer

One of my favourite ways to get unstuck is to explain the problem to someone who doesn't understand it . It doesn’t even need to be an actual person - I’ve had pretty good results discussing my problems with teddy bears. To explain a problem this way, it helps the child to:

organize their thoughts

get specific about what's holding them up

remember what they've already tried and think about why it didn't work.

This is often enough to crack the problem wide open! 

You can also ask your child questions that force them to look more carefully at the question they’re doing , and to look at it in a different light. Asking:

'What do you know?' helps children to clarify what bits of the answer they do know and find out where the gaps are - better still, ask them to write everything they actually know on a piece of scrap paper and see if they can turn the problem into a picture or diagram.

'Is this like any other question you’ve done?' or asking if they can break the question into parts that they do recognise helps children make links between different parts of their learning.

'How is this different than the last question you did?' encourages a student to try similar methods and see where they fall down.

'Is there anything in the question you haven't used?' reminds them to read carefully.

'What do you understand by this word/symbol?' can start a conversation about the question.

Talking about the question without giving away the answer is a good habit to get into: the odds are, at some point in your child's school career you'll be asked to help with something you don't know the answer to yourself, and this way you’ll still be able to help!

In the 1980s, a professor called Andrew Wiles dedicated himself to proving Fermat’s Theorem after becoming entranced with the problem when he was just a boy. He worked alone and in secret for the best part of a decade, making lots of mistakes and getting stuck many times along the way.

Normally, mathematicians prefer reason and method to experiments, but when someone is properly stuck, anything goes. Some ideas are:

Can you do it with easier numbers? Build up a recipe and then follow it again.

Can you get close with trial and error? Figuring out roughly what the answer should be can be a huge push towards doing it 'properly'.

There's often more than one way to solve a problem. Children who get used to tackling things from different angles generally turn out to be better problem-solvers.

Relax, don’t worry about being stuck

Quite often, the problem isn't that a student can't do a problem, but that a student has become convinced they can't, which is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Coming up with ways out of the spiral of doubt can be the difference between a successful homework session and a big argument.

Being stuck in mathematics isn’t failure, it’s part of the process. Andrew Wiles was unusually persistent in working on one of the greatest unsolved problems in math, but being stuck is perfectly normal in math, whether it’s spending eight years on Fermat's Last Theorem or twenty minutes on a tricky percentage problem.

Some things that might help include:

Use positive language. Remind your child that they're smart, and they will crack it eventually. Make sure they're not bullying themselves.

Get moving. Sometimes having a little dance or run-around is enough to get the blood pumping and give a fresh perspective on the problem.

Have a change of scene. Move to a different part of the house, put some music on, work on a fresh bit of paper - just do something differently.

Come back to it later. When Einstein got stuck in his thinking process (yes, even geniuses get stuck) he took breaks to play his violin. Taking a break to do something else gives the subconscious some time to work on things in the background. 

Albert Einstein, who was responsible for some of humanity’s most famous intellectual discoveries, was also known for his daydreaming, violin breaks and unusual approach to thinking. We also know about Archimedes making one of his great discoveries while relaxing in the bath (Eureka!) and Isaac Newton coming up with the theory of gravity while having a cup of tea in an orchard. They weren’t alone - many celebrated musicians, scientists and other people considered to be geniuses depended, and still depend, on the power of taking breaks and ‘doing other things’ to help them connect what they know to what they want to know.

It’s always tricky to find the right balance between helping your child stick at a task and making a strategic retreat - the tactics here will help you to help them build resilience, try harder for longer, and solve problems for themselves. 

A puzzle for you to get stuck on

Since we're talking about unsolved problems, let's look at one that doesn't need much math to play with - it's known as the Magic Square of Squares.

A *magic square* is a grid of numbers where each row, column and diagonal add up to the same number. For example:

This is a 4-by-4 magic square in which each row and column adds up to 34.

Click here to download a printable worksheet for the following activities

Activity 1: Complete the 3x3 square 

Activity 2 : Can you find other patterns in this magic square that add up to 34?

(We know the rows and columns add to 34)

Activity 3: Can you use the numbers 1 to 9 to make another magic square in a 3 x 3 grid?

A Magic Square of Squares takes things a step further; as well as the rows, columns and diagonals adding to the same total, each number in the grid has to be a square number - a number you can make by multiplying something by itself (for example, 16 is a square number because it's 4 × 4). 

Nobody has so far found a Magic Square of Squares, although a few people have come close. 

Activity 4: Complete the 4x4 square:

Activity 5 : Try to find a Magic Square of Square numbers. (Download your printable worksheet here) Get stuck. Keep trying!

Here’s a list of the smallest square numbers:  1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, 81, 100, 121, 144...

Andrew Wiles was just ten days away from giving up on Fermat’s Last Theorem when he finally made the key breakthrough that led to a solution. After more than 350 years of the entire mathematical world being stumped, he finally solved the problem with tenacity, persistence and his ability to accept that math is all about being stuck and the valuable journey that (eventually) getting unstuck takes you on.

Answer 1 : Complete the 3x3 square

Answer 2: Can you find other patterns in this magic square that add up to 34?

Answer 3: Can you use the numbers 1 to 9 to make another magic square in a 3 x 3 grid?

This is just one example out of hundreds :

Ask yourself:

 - Do the rows and columns add up to the same number?  - Do the diagonals?

If so then it’s a magic square!

Answer 4: Complete the 4x4 square:

Activity 5: Try to find a Magic Square of Square numbers. Get stuck. Keep trying!

Hmmm...I'm stuck!

Hi, I'm Colin Beveridge - a math tutor, former NASA researcher, and writer of math books including Basic Maths for Dummies .

About Komodo - Komodo is a fun and effective way to boost K-5 math skills. Designed for 5 to 11 year olds to use at home, Komodo uses a little and often approach  to learning math (15 minutes, three to five times per week) that fits into the busy family routine. Komodo helps users develop fluency and confidence in math - without keeping them at the screen for long.

Find out more about Komodo and how it helps thousands of children each year do better at math - you can even try Komodo for free.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to do homework: 15 expert tips and tricks.

Coursework/GPA

Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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Child Struggling with Math? 12 Signs and 7 Ways to Help

Written by Jordan Nisbet

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• Parent Resources
• What causes children to struggle with math
• Common signs among children struggling with math
• How to help your child struggling with math

Many parents around the world -- like yourself -- have a child struggling with math . Without proper resources or a solid support system, this reality can be daunting.

But, don’t worry because you’re not alone! One of the most common complaints among children who dislike math is it’s too difficult or that they’re not smart enough. Sadly, this belief is one that can severely impact any child’s success in mathematics.

Parents often remark the causes and symptoms can vary from child to child, which is why we’ll outline and help you understand:

• How parents and teachers can help a child struggling with math

Let's start helping your child succeed, instead of struggle, with math. 👇

3 Main causes of a child struggling with math

Math can be hard because it’s a cumulative subject — it builds upon itself year after year. This is why so many parents worry when their kids appear to get disengaged with or disconnected from math.

It’s vital for parents to know this doesn’t necessarily mean their child lacks intelligence or drive. Believe it or not, kids who have trouble understanding math are often putting in a great deal of effort — mentally and physically.

So, what exactly causes a child to struggle with math? Research has narrowed the answer down to three things:

Lacking building blocks

As mentioned earlier, math is cumulative, so learning and understanding the basics is a must. If a child falls behind in one area due to a lack of understanding, moving on to more advanced topics will remain a challenge.

For example, if a child doesn’t yet understand the foundational knowledge of addition, it will be very difficult for them to grasp the concept of multiplication .

In 2015, the University of Akron published a study called “The Importance of a Strong Mathematical Foundation”. Researchers tested 39 ninth and tenth graders on fractions, ratios, and proportions. Participants had to complete questions ranging from third to seventh grade.

Only seven participants were able to pass the assessment. Seeing these results, study author Jasmine Wriston wrote:

[Students] were simply being taught mathematics concepts correlating to their current grade level and not based on the current mathematical knowledge they brought to class. Due to this, students were not mastering each grade level standard before continuing onto higher level instruction. This lack of mastery creates huge gaps in student understanding, hindering students from making the necessary content connections and gaining conceptual understanding.

Math anxiety

In the midst of hardship, it’s easy to feel as though we’re the only ones going through a certain problem. For parents of a child struggling with math, it’s no different. And while alarming, we hope parents everywhere find comfort in knowing their child is not the only one who may experience anxiety when it comes to math.

A feeling of tension and anxiety that interferes with the manipulation of numbers and the solving of mathematical problems in a wide variety of ordinary life and academic situations.

In fact, our guide to overcoming math anxiety highlights that around 93% of adult Americans experience math anxiety to varying degrees while 17% of Americans overall suffer from high levels of math anxiety.

Symptoms of math anxiety can include:

• Lack of response
• Low achievement
• Negative self-talk
• Feeling of permanency
• Intense emotional reactions
• Physiological effects like nervousness, clammy hands, increased heart rate, upset stomach and lightheadedness

And, for this reason, children can struggle with math from childhood all the way into adulthood.

Learning difficulties

There are numerous mathematics learning disabilities, including one of the more common ones: dyscalculia . Other names for it include math or number dyslexia .

According to Dr. Daniel Ansari , a professor in developmental cognitive neuroscience at Canada’s Western University, children with dyscalculia:

• Often struggle with working memory
• Have trouble remembering math facts
• May understand the logic behind math facts, but not how or when to apply their knowledge to solve problems
• May not understand quantities or concepts like biggest versus smallest, or the difference between the word  five  and numeral  5

Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes dyscalculia but suspect it’s linked to the brain’s structure and function. Because there can be various factors involved — like one’s development, environment, genetic makeup or injury — how the symptoms show will likely vary as no two children are the same.

12 Signs of children struggling with math

1. expresses negative comments about math.

It can be tough to spot a child struggling with math. One of the more visible signs lies in what they say about the subject.

When your child says things like “I hate math” or “I’m not good at math,” and tries to avoid math-related activities, it’s usually a sign that they are struggling with the subject.

2. Gets anxious around math

Be it during a class, a test or working on a homework assignment, your child grows increasingly anxious when it’s time to do math.

Even though they may understand the concepts, math anxiety results in them forgetting what they’ve learned or how to apply them when the time comes.

3.  Grades that are lower in math but higher in other subjects

Whether you hear it from a teacher or see it on their report card, your child performs well in every subject — except math.

Lower math grades may lead them to focus on subjects they’re already succeeding in, and spend little time practicing or studying math.

4. Trouble connecting math families

As students learn more math facts, they should begin to see the relationship between certain numbers and equations.

Your child may be struggling with math if they do not see the connection between, for example, 2+3=5 and 5-3=2 .

5. Difficulty managing time

Time management is difficult for many people, including adults, so this sign can seem somewhat vague. Pay attention to see if your child has any trouble judging increments of time, adhering to set schedules, or reading clocks — analog or digital.

6. Trouble applying math concepts to real-world problems

Your child may grasp math concepts, but have a hard time seeing how they apply to things outside of the classroom. For example:

• Finding out how many days remain until their birthday
• Calculating the cost of something and how much change they should get back
• Determining how much of a certain ingredient to use when helping you prepare food

P.S. Did you know that Prodigy Math features over 50,000 teacher-made questions that include real-world problems?

7. Mental math difficulty

While it can be helpful in early years, working out math problems using fingers to count could be a sign your child is struggling with math.

This is because as children get older, they’ll encounter bigger numbers and more advanced equations that require mental math practices — something that finger counting can discourage.

8. Doesn’t try to find alternative approaches to problems

The moment a roadblock arises when tackling a math problem, your child may get discouraged and move on before thinking about — or trying — another potential solution.

9. Trouble with basic math concepts and fact recall

Memory could have a significant impact on thinking with numbers. Despite having been taught foundational math concepts and facts in the past, your child has trouble remembering and applying them appropriately.

10. Trouble learning advanced math concepts and facts

Due to mathematics’ cumulative nature, making connections between prior and new lessons is key.

Having difficulty when building upon earlier math concepts will limit a child’s ability to anchor new math skills in a meaningful, long-lasting way.

11. Difficulty paying attention

Every child learns differently — some can sit down at a desk and complete certain tasks, while others benefit from a more active, hands-on output.

If your child gets fidgety, loses their place in a problem, or seems mentally tired when doing math, they may be struggling with (the particular way they’re doing) math.

12. Not hitting milestones

Generally, children hit certain math milestones around the same age — but sometimes, they have trouble developing these skills at the same rate and fall behind.

Students in 1st and 2nd grade, for example, may struggle as they move on from counting by ones to twos, fives, and tens, while others pick it up with ease.

Tip: Use Prodigy's free parent account to get monthly reports about your child's math progress as they play Prodigy Math. See how it works here!

Check out the infographic below outlining math milestones and what you can expect at different ages!

Click to expand

How to help a child struggling with math (in 7 ways)

As a parent, one of your biggest goals is to help your child succeed. It’s important to remember, however, that the first step to solving a problem is identifying it.

Having awareness of the signs above will help you identify any problems your child may be experiencing with math.

And to take it a step further, we’ve outlined seven tips you can use at home to help transform math into a subject your child loves instead of fears!

Make math fun

For some children, all it takes is a change in perspective to transform math from something feared into something loved. A traditional pen-and-paper approach won’t always work and that’s when you need to get creative.

Tip: Consider reintroducing math to your child through a game-based lens. This can take on many forms like word problems , math books , math apps and more.

Or, try Prodigy Math — the engaging, curriculum-aligned math app used by over 100 million students and teachers. All in-game educational content is free and accessible at home or in class.

🌟 Plus, there are Membership plans available to maximize math practice and help you support your child's learning journey with ease. Becoming a member will unlock extra in-game rewards for your child and give you access to new parent features like Goals and Rewards, Practice Areas and Practice Sheets.

Find daily applications

Math is all around us and exists in our everyday lives, but do your children know that? Incorporating math into their day-to-day routine can help them understand — and appreciate — its relevance.

So, what are you waiting for? Start learning by doing!

Tip: Involve your child when it comes to activities like shopping, cooking, or gardening! Each of these real world applications involve numbers, facts, and concepts which can help solidify knowledge and understanding, as well as enjoyment in math.

Practice with your child daily

On the surface, this tip may seem as simple as sitting beside your child while they do homework and ensuring they complete it. But, involvement in your child’s education has many benefits.

According to author and developmental psychologist Rebecca Fraser-Thill, parental involvement fosters academic achievement, improves social skills, and can increase self-esteem.

Tip: Set aside time to practice math for as little as 10 minutes each night. This will help reinforce what they’re learning in class and keep foundational concepts front-of-mind as teachers introduce them to more advanced concepts in class. Even if your child doesn’t have any math homework, try our free, colorful and printable worksheets:

• 20 Telling Time Worksheets
• 20 Addition Worksheets
• 20 Long Division Worksheets
• 20 Multiplication Worksheets
• 19 Order of Operations Worksheets

Identify problem areas

If you can identify them yourself, amazing! If not, get in touch with your child’s teacher for a more intimate and accurate idea of how you can help increase your child’s ability to succeed.

Tip: Working with your child’s teacher, come up with an at-home action plan. This is also an excellent opportunity to share the types of learning that works best for your child at home — something their teacher may not know.

Adopt a positive attitude

While children can have negative attitudes toward math, your attitude toward the subject may need to change first. A 2017 study in School Science and Mathematics found that parents’ attitude toward mathematics can significantly predict students’ attitudes toward mathematics.

Most of the time, the negative attitude is simply because the students have told themselves they cannot do mathematics; they are never going to use it anyways; and so forth. School-based factors are compounded when they are reinforced at home, such as parents’ negative attitudes toward mathematics.

Tip: Even if you find math tricky, try your best to maintain a positive mindset about it around your child. Encourage your child when they get stuck and attempt to work through the problem together until you arrive at a solution! By practicing this, parents can become a positive influence on their child’s attitude toward math. As a result, this can increase children’s overall achievement and interest in math well into adulthood.

Get a tutor

Some parents have been out of school for a long time and are unfamiliar with certain teaching strategies. Others simply don’t feel comfortable being the “teacher” at home. This is why some parents consider going the online tutoring route.

Math Geek Mama outlines some helpful ways to find a math tutor for your child!

• Word of mouth from friends or family
• Check library or community centre bulletin boards
• Ask your child’s teacher or school counselor
• Find a local or online tutor using websites

Tip: A great way to make tutoring go further is to set learning goals and rewards with your child. If your child has a Prodigy Math Membership, you can set learning goals for them to achieve in our fun, engaging math game. When they successfully complete a goal, they'll receive in-game reward of your choice!

Look into potential learning disabilities

If your child does have a learning disability, the sooner you seek help the better!

It can be challenging to address and diagnose but, in the long run, receiving prompt and appropriate support can help ensure the best educational journey possible for your child.

Tip: If you haven’t already been contacted, connect with your child’s teacher or school administrator(s) to discuss how they can help. As learning disabilities tend to be identified in school, they may use a process called response to intervention to help pinpoint whether or not a child has a learning disability.

Final thoughts: Is your child struggling with math?

Struggling with math can make children feel like they’re not smart and affect their self-esteem. However, this is a common struggle.

What’s more, there are practical ways to help as you can see!One of the greatest things you can do today is to let them know that everyone struggles — even you — and that everyone also has strengths!

Share a personal example of a time you struggled with math and, if possible, how you overcame it. Then, try incorporating some of the helpful tips listed above.

Math may be a struggle, but going on this journey together will help increase your child’s confidence and motivate them to keep trying!

You want your child to succeed in math. We can help.

Yes, Prodigy Math Game is a curriculum-aligned, fantasy-inspired platform used by many kids. But it also comes with incredibly valuable tools and features for parents like you. Watch the one-minute video below:

Ready to motivate your and help support them along the way?

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How to Get Homework Done when You Don't Want To

Last Updated: March 15, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden . Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 247,920 times.

Homework can be a drag, but it's got to be done to keep your grades up and stay on track during school. Going somewhere quiet, making a plan, and giving yourself breaks can all help you stay focused and on task to get your work done quickly. Try to keep your assignments organized and give yourself credit for completing hard or boring work, even if you didn’t want to.

Getting Motivated

• Keep a list of your assignments and check them off as you finish them. This can give you a sense of accomplishment that can motivate you to keep going.

• Make it the rule that you work for a certain amount of time, or until a certain amount of work has been accomplished. Afterward, you can hang out. Stick to this schedule.
• Try this out and see if it works. If you're too distracted by having friends around, make a date to hang out after homework instead.

• Make sure you keep the competition to yourself. Competing with your friends isn’t fun, especially over homework assignments and grades.

• Learning something that will probably help with future assignments, even if you don't know what they are yet.
• Proving to your teacher that you understand the homework so that they don’t keep assigning it over and over.
• Improving your GPA.
• Getting a good grade.

• Try not to reward yourself with food, as that can lead to snacking when you aren’t really hungry.

Staying Focused

• For instance, tell yourself that if you finish your first assignment in 20 minutes, you can go on your phone for 5 minutes.

• Make sure you stand up and do something when it's your break, or you won't get your wiggles out.
• Set a timer on your phone or use a kitchen timer to let yourself know when it's time to switch tasks.

• If you don't have control over the subject, try to find connections between the topic and something you care about. Find aspects of the subject that interest you.
• For instance, if you have to study History but you care the most about fashion, investigate the styles of the times and places you are studying. Learn how political and economical developments changed the way people dressed.

• You can find playlists on Spotify and YouTube that are made for studying and doing homework.

• When you're struggling to focus, sign out of your email and all social media so you don't check them as a reflex.

Creating Good Study Habits

• If you have many textbooks and worksheets, stack them and put them to the side.
• Get things like pencils, erasers, calculators, rulers, and paper.

• Having a planner will make it less tempting to procrastinate, as long as you have broken up your studying into manageable chunks.
• Your planner can be paper, or you can get one on your phone. Just make sure it has space for task lists as well as events.
• Once you have completed a task, cross it off or put a check next to it. Seeing that you're getting your work done will make you feel better, which in turn will motivate you to keep up the good work.
• Don't put more than you can do in one day on a list! Split up your week's work so that every day has a manageable amount.

• If you have a job or extracurricular activities that change your daily schedule, determine a weekly schedule that you stick to as much as possible.

• Sometimes just explaining what you have to do will help you understand it better.
• Talking to another person is a great way to brainstorm ideas. They may ask you questions or provide comments that can help you organize your ideas.
• Other times, the person you are talking to will notice something about the prompt that you overlooked.

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

• Try asking a family member to help you remember when to start your assignments so you don’t forget. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
• If you’re really struggling with a topic, consider going to a tutor for extra help. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
• Getting motivated can be tough. Just try your best, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2

Tips from our Readers

• Set up a dedicated study area at home with your needed supplies, to establish a consistent homework routine. Having everything in one prepared place helps minimize distractions.
• Use a planner to schedule out all your assignments. Break them into small, manageable pieces so it's less overwhelming. Checking tasks off as you finish motivates you along.
• If completely stuck on an assignment, reach out and talk it through with someone. Verbalizing it can provide new insights to move forward.
• Take short activity breaks every 45 minutes. Get up, stretch, grab some water. It refreshes your mental focus so you stay engaged.
• Incorporate a fun personal interest into an assignment when possible. Writing about something you care about keeps you absorbed.
• When you really need to concentrate, eliminate enticing distractions like your phone. Logging out keeps you on track.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://hwpi.harvard.edu/files/comm/files/smarttalk_staff_guide.pdf
• ↑ http://www.wcsu.edu/housing/wp-content/uploads/sites/55/2018/05/Handout-V6N6.pdf
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/worry-wise/201410/how-prevent-homework-procrastination
• ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. Academic & School Counselor. Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
• ↑ http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/organize-focus.html?WT.ac=p-ra#
• ↑ https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/sites/default/files/homework_tips.pdf
• ↑ https://childmind.org/article/strategies-to-make-homework-go-more-smoothly/
• ↑ http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html#

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Published 2011 Revised 2023

When looking back on their mathematical experiences, we would be pleased if our pupils were able to say that they had an introduction to the subject which prepared them well for the future at whatever level was appropriate to their needs. There is no doubt that this involves more than being able to answer standard test questions. It includes pupils feeling empowered to work independently, try things out, and not think there is something wrong when they get "stuck". When was the last time you felt stuck doing some mathematics and how willing were you to share that feeling, or the few ideas you had about what to do, with others? What does it mean to a problem solver to be stuck? In order to attempt to answer this question, before you read any further, you might like to try the following problem called Nine-pin Triangles which asks how many different triangles you can make on a circular pegboard that has nine pegs.  

As you worked on this problem, were there any times when you felt stuck? What exactly were you stuck on? Were you able to start the problem immediately? Did you want clarification of anything at any stage? Did you feel as if you reached a solution which you're happy with? Why or why not? How did you reconcile any questions you had? Your response to this last question might well depend on whether you were working alone or not. When I first tried this problem (which was inspired by the work of Geoff Faux), one of the barriers I came up against straight away was the notion of difference. What makes one triangle different to another in this context? Linked with this was the horrible feeling that there must be hundreds of triangles! How would I know when I had found them all? I guess being stuck on this problem for me was initially about seeking reassurance to some extent. I wanted to talk to someone else about what "different" meant and then I experienced a feeling that perhaps is quite common for many of our pupils, that the problem was insurmountable because of the huge number of possibilities. In this instance, I was in a room with colleagues so I was able to come to a satisfactory meaning of "different" in discussion with them. Although I was daunted by there being too many triangles to find, my experience of solving problems gave me the confidence to draw on strategies I believed would help - developing a system for finding the triangles one by one, for example. By working systematically I could convince myself that I had found them all. You might have noticed that I used the adjective "horrible" in the previous paragraph to describe how I felt. Is this a common emotion associated with being stuck? How did you feel while tackling the problem? Being stuck is usually thought of as being a negative state of affairs, and so it is, in the sense that progression seems out of reach or pointless. At first glance, it is easy to suggest that we don't want our pupils to get stuck. Surely we shouldn't have a desire for them to be floundering as they work on mathematics? As teachers, our instinct can sometimes be to scaffold to such an extent that the children are not really thinking for themselves. We want them to succeed, to get the "right" answers, not to struggle. Or do we? Going back to my own experience of working on the Nine-pin Triangles problem, the feelings I had as I reached a solution were altogether different to those I've described so far. There was a sense of elation and satisfaction; that somehow I'd triumphed. Would I have had these same emotions if I had known exactly what to do right from the start and there hadn't been any uncertainties? I am sure that it was the fact I'd had to overcome difficulties in order to succeed that was the most significant contributor to my feelings of pride and pleasure. Mason et al. (1982) suggest that it is the sense of slight unease which we experience when up against something challenging which stimulates us to think mathematically and it is this element of challenge that NRICH problems try to offer. However, when we are stuck, how long is it reasonable for us to be stuck for? And what is helpful when we are stuck? James Nottingham (2004) talks about a "pit of uncertainty" in which children should not be frightened of finding themselves on the journey between having been asked a question and reaching an answer. He explains that we shouldn't leave our pupils in the pit unaided, but it is the support we give them to climb out of the other side which is crucial. You might want to share the Nine-pin Triangles problem with your own class and/or colleagues, if appropriate, but in case you are teaching younger or less-experienced learners, you might like to look at Happy Halving instead. In this challenge, you are asked to split each of the shapes in half so that the two parts are exactly the same.  

Before giving this problem to your pupils, think about how they might get stuck as they work on it. What sort of strategies could you use that encourage them to think mathematically and therefore empower them to get themselves "unstuck"? In writing hints on the website, this is exactly the process we go through. Of course there are all manner of difficulties in trying to offer help, both in an online environment and in the classroom. Each child's relationship with a problem is different; each child's experience of solving problems is different. Therefore what is helpful to one may be useless to another. How can we try and offer support without leading our pupils down the route we would take and at the same time leave room for there to be opportunities to find alternatives? There is no doubt that a culture in which being stuck is valued in a meaningful way is difficult to achieve and I don't have definitive answers to my questions. However, we can model what we do when we are stuck and we can be explicit about the ways we try to help learners when they are stuck. In this way, children will begin to develop their ability to think mathematically, as Mason et al. (1982) suggest, and therefore become more independent in their role as problem solvers. They will feel positive that a problem may be difficult but it is worth striving for a solution. The NRICH Team always welcome your comments on the hints and notes they provide with each problem (or on any aspect of the website!). Please get in touch: [email protected]  

Mason, J. with Burton, L. and Stacey, K. (1982) Thinking Mathematically. Wokingham: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Nottingham, J. Conference keynote, Bristol 2004 This article also appears in Primary Mathematics, a journal published by The Mathematical Association .  

Mathacognitive

Thinking about teaching, learning and math

“When I feel stuck in math, I can ____” (Lesson Sketch)

April 2020 Update. Distance learning versions now available: Stuck Strategies: Data and Reflection and Stuck Strategies: Complete Bundle

I am starting a new class, with a new group of students soon. I’m excited. And nervous. And all the conflicting things that change makes me feel.

There are many things to figure out in any new teaching situation. But this is also when I am most-glad for old-favorite classics. My new class and I are starting with an old favorite lesson  about productive struggle in math class .

I particularly like this one to start with a new group.

It’s powerful to start by saying “Yep, we all feel stuck sometimes. “

It’s even more powerful to start the year by saying “But ‘stuck’ isn’t the end of the story”

Originally published Feb. 2018, updated spring 2020

These hint cards floated across my teacher-media radar. And I was intrigued.

I see too many students hit a roadblock and stare at it helplessly, unsure of how to get around it, and that’s the end of that study session/class/learning until someone comes around to get them unstuck.

I liked the idea of a resource that they could access when they hit those roadblocks, that wasn’t just waiting for me.

I work hard to convince my students that it’s great to ask questions, so I wanted to be sure I didn’t discourage that, just to broaden the options to include resources and strategies that they have or can implement themselves.

(Because self-directed learning, but also, homework.)

((And ultimately, for my students, a high stakes test when I’m not around to help .))

Also, I didn’t want to make a different set of cards for each lesson.

(Because in the reality of my prep time, I couldn’t be sure they’d actually happen every week, and I needed something reliable if students were going to use it.)

So, the idea rattled around in my head for weeks until it was ready to come out.

What emerged: have a discussion about strategies, and combine it with a math lesson so students don’t revolt about losing math time.  (Because, #reasonstoloveadultlearners, they would be upset to miss out of math time)

So, after the introductions and the homework policies and the other start of the term business, we brainstorm responses to the stem “When I feel stuck in math, I can ____”.

Some of my students were far better than others at this, and one class ran out of ideas after ‘keep trying’ and ‘ask for help’.  This says much about the struggles of that particular group of students.

But it also says, come prepared, teacher, with some ideas of your own.

Once we had a list, we collected data about my students’ current habits. (I had my students come to the board and make tally marks, you could use a printable ballot, hands, four corners etc.)

Then we analyzed our results. One class made bar graphs, one wrote statements with ratios. Since that first time, I’ve done percents and a few other math skills.

And, now their strategies (and the bar graphs) are on the wall, right next to my white board. A reminder – I hope! – for the rest of the trimester.

A full version of my lesson is  available on Teachers Pay Teachers

The lesson plan includes the plan (with standards and procedures), extension ideas, multiple data collection variations, and student handouts for fractions, ratios, percents, and bar graphs.

Free! I’ve also shared our answers as a printable handout that could be added to a binder/notebook

Math home question that im stuck on

1 expert answer.

Jim S. answered • 10/06/15

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