Helping children tackle maths anxiety (without the stress)

Maths anxiety is more common than people think. It’s that sinking feeling when a child sees a question and freezes. Not because they don’t know anything, but because panic takes over, and it doesn’t just happen in exams! It can show up in homework, class discussions or even when telling the time.

The thing is, maths anxiety isn’t about ability. It’s about confidence. A child can know their times tables inside out but still struggle if they don’t feel safe to try, get it wrong and try again.

At Bright Sparks Learning Hub, we see this all the time. It’s why we build our sessions around small wins, fun activities and loads of practical maths. Think measuring with tape, building with cubes, sorting coins or drawing bar models; it makes numbers feel real and not so scary.

Here’s how we help tackle maths anxiety:

• Break it down

  Big problems feel smaller when you break them down into smaller steps.

• Play it out

  Games and challenges take the pressure off (and are a lot of fun too!)

• Use real stuff

  Practical maths makes abstract ideas more visual and helps build conceptual understanding.

• Talk it through

  Letting children explain their thinking works wonders!

• Praise the process

  Praising the process (not just the right answer!)

We work with children from age 6 to 16, so whether it’s regrouping tens or cracking algebra, we’ve seen how the right support can truly change the game for students.

If your child says “I’m rubbish at maths,” it’s not the end of the road. It’s a sign they need support that works for them, and we’d love to help.