5 Ways to Improve Math Skills for Middle School Students

5 Ways to Improve Math Skills for Middle School Students

Middle school is a crucial time for students to build a strong foundation in math, as it sets the stage for success in high school and beyond. However, many students struggle with math concepts during these years, which can impact their confidence and performance.

By implementing targeted strategies, parents and educators can help students strengthen their skills and develop a positive attitude toward math. In this article, we’ll explore 5 Ways to Improve Math Skills for Middle School Students, offering practical tips to boost their understanding, engagement, and confidence in tackling math challenges.

Building math skills may be difficult if it seems like there is a lot to learn. It starts by looking at maths in a whole new way!

Our goal is to help students see that math is not just a subject we must get through in school, but a way of understanding the world around us.

Sign up below to get your copy of this presentation that shows how to approach learning math in the classroom.

Click to view this and other selections of digital products 

 

Math in the Real World

This blog contains affiliate links to highlighted websites and/or resources. By clicking on the link and making a purchase we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Click here for full disclosure.

When looking for ways to present math outside the classroom, game ideas are one option.

Students benefit from real world experiences and one game option available on Amazon that techers have benefited from is called: Real-World Math: Unexpected Events, Applying Math Concepts to Everyday Life

 

 

In this game, students learn the meaning of financial literacy since each player begins with $100, and have to move through the game picking up “unexpected event” cards that have them questioning how to spend their money!

Helping Students Improve Their Math Skills Video

Watch our video and let us know in the comments below (or on our YouTube channel) if you agree with our tips on helping students to improve their math learning skills.

Now on to the tips!

5 Ways to Improve Math Skills for Middle School Students

The five tips are below. We hope teachers and parents will also find these tips useful when encouraging students to improve their math skills.

I. Enjoy Math Outside The Classroom

Math doesn’t have to stay confined to the classroom—it can be explored and enjoyed in everyday life! Encouraging students to engage with math outside of school helps them see its relevance and builds their confidence.

Try not to see math as a subject you have to learn in the classroom, but as it appears in every day life outside the classroom!

You can learn to enjoy math if you see it as just a part of everyday activities, like with shopping, cooking, or counting how many steps it takes from your couch to the refrigerator!

How many steps did you take today?

Activities like cooking, where they measure ingredients, or shopping, where they calculate discounts and totals, turn math into a practical and enjoyable experience. Outdoor games involving counting, strategy, or geometry, such as building with blocks or mapping out a garden, also make math fun and interactive. By incorporating math into real-world activities, students develop a deeper appreciation for the subject and learn that math skills are valuable in all aspects of life.

It’s also important to know when spending money so that you don’t end up paying too much!

II. Math As a Way To Connect With Others

Math can be a powerful tool for fostering connections and collaboration among students. Group activities like solving puzzles, playing math-based games, or working on real-world projects encourage teamwork and communication.

When students tackle math challenges together, they learn to share ideas, explain their reasoning, and build on each other’s strengths. This collaborative approach not only enhances their understanding of mathematical concepts but also strengthens their social skills and relationships. By using math as a way to connect with others, students can experience the subject as a shared journey, making it more enjoyable and meaningful.

Just imagine, people around the world speak different languages, but yet when understanding math concepts, our connected understanding of the concepts in math can unite us all!

III. Find Math Support Networks

Finding math support networks can make a significant difference in a student’s learning journey. Support networks, such as math clubs, online forums, or tutoring groups, provide opportunities for students to seek help, share challenges, and celebrate successes.

These communities foster a sense of belonging and encouragement, showing students that they are not alone in their struggles or achievements.

Parents and educators can also benefit from these networks by discovering new teaching strategies and resources. Whether it’s connecting with peers, joining local math organizations, or accessing virtual platforms, support networks empower students to approach math with confidence and a collaborative spirit.

IV. See Math As A Language!

All languages have vocabulary that is unique to understanding what needs to be said. The same is true for mathematics.

If you start to get in the habit of using math vocabulary as you are explaining your answers whether through spoken or written language, then you will find it very easy to communicate with anyone willing to listen!

V. Share Math Knowledge

Being able to share your ideas and knowledge about math, is just as important as understanding the concepts in the first place.

 

Be that help someone is looking for, it will make you feel better about being able to help others in need, and build your confidence in better understanding the subject, so that everyone wins!

We hope you enjoyed watching the video! To watch other math related videos from Edukitchen, visit us on YouTube and subscribe!

 

Related Topics

Check out our other articles related to math teaching and learning.

• Teachers, see what strategies we think will help make math less hard for students
• Students, learn how to confidently build your math skills
• Click here to learn more about improving problem solving skills in maths
• Teachers, see what other strategies will make math learning easier
• Click here to learn more about Math as a Language.
• See what resources we think will help with math
• Check out our student blogs for more topics in education
• Read more about the connections between emotions and learning

 

Join Us Today!

 

Final Thoughts…

In my 20 years of teaching maths I always encourage students to see the benefits to maths.

Students appreciate math more if it’s practical – like learning about it as it comes to money, and would like to see more. As teachers we need to peak students’ curiosity and it’s always important to keep them involved.

Part of the steps to becoming better in maths, I believe, starts with a positive mindset. Once we have this positive mindset, we can remember and enjoy these simple tips to improving math skills.

Share Your Thoughts

Do you agree with our tips? What tips do you recommend people use with Math learning? Let us know in the comments below!