By Kathleen Palmieri
Building math confidence among students in the upper elementary grades is a necessary goal for educators and parents alike. At this stage in their education, students begin to encounter more complex mathematical concepts, and many may start to doubt their abilities to “do” math.
However, with the right strategies and mindset, it’s possible to help intermediate students develop the confidence they need to tackle math with enthusiasm. Below are some key strategies that I’ve developed in my own fifth grade classroom that are working for me.
1. Create a Positive and Supportive Learning Environment
A positive classroom atmosphere is a cornerstone to building confidence in math. Students should feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them. Encouraging a growth mindset – where students believe that abilities can improve with effort – can be highly effective. Praise effort over innate ability, and emphasize that mistakes are an essential part of learning. Creating a culture of collaboration and discussion allows students to learn from each other.
2. Break Down Complex Concepts
Many Intermediate grade students may feel overwhelmed by more advanced mathematical topics. Breaking down these concepts into smaller, more manageable steps can help. Start with concrete examples and use visual aids, such as number lines, graphs, and manipulatives, to help students understand abstract concepts. When students can grasp the foundational ideas step by step, they feel more confident in tackling increasingly complex problems.
3. Link Real-World Applications
Linking math to real-world relatable situations can help students see its value and relevance. For example, show them how math is used in everyday activities like shopping, cooking, or planning a trip. When students understand how math applies to their daily lives, they are more likely to view it as something useful rather than a challenging subject.
RESEARCH NOTE: In past articles I have shared my research and fascination with the work of Dr. Jo Boaler, author, professor and co-creator of Youcubed.org. In several articles here at MiddleWeb I’ve shared what I’ve learned from Dr. Boaler and how I’ve incorporated more math activities, data science, and number talks into my in math classroom. Those articles include Teach Math by Diving Deep Into Real Data; Number Sense Builds a Strong Math Foundation; and Math Explorations to Engage Your Students.
4. Provide Opportunities for Success
Small successes can lead to big boosts in confidence. Give students opportunities to solve problems they can handle before gradually introducing more difficult challenges. Success in solving simpler problems can empower students to tackle more complex ones with greater confidence. Celebrate these successes, even if they are small, to reinforce a sense of accomplishment. This helps to encourage and engage students in future problem-solving.
5. Encourage Problem-Solving Strategies
Teaching students problem-solving strategies can empower them to approach math with confidence. Strategies such as drawing pictures, looking for patterns, or breaking problems into smaller parts can help students feel more equipped to solve challenging problems. When students have a toolkit of strategies to rely on, they are less likely to feel defeated by difficult problems.
6. Use Technology and Interactive Tools
Technology can make learning math more engaging and interactive. There are a variety of math apps, games, and websites that offer interactive lessons and practice problems. These tools allow students to work at their own pace and receive immediate feedback, which can build confidence over time. Gamifying math through these platforms can make learning feel more like a fun challenge rather than a stressful task.
7. Encourage a Growth Mindset
A key aspect of building math confidence is helping students develop a growth mindset. This is a big part of my classroom culture. Encourage students to view challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than obstacles to success. Teach them that skills are developed through effort and perseverance, and emphasize the importance of persistence when they encounter difficulties.
8. Provide Encouraging Feedback
Providing constructive and encouraging feedback is essential in helping students build confidence. Rather than focusing solely on what was done wrong, offer praise for what was done correctly and suggest ways to improve. For example, if a student struggles with a particular problem, help them understand their error and guide them through the correct approach. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for encouraging a positive attitude toward math.
9. Foster a Sense of Autonomy
Allowing students some degree of control over their learning can help them feel more confident in their abilities. Let them choose problems to work on, or offer them choices in how they approach assignments. When students have some autonomy, they feel more invested in their learning and more confident in their ability to succeed.
10. Promote a Collaborative Learning Environment
Encourage students to work together and share their strategies and solutions. Collaborative work (well-facilitated by the teacher) can help students learn from each other and gain new perspectives. When students feel part of a team, they often feel more confident and motivated to take risks in solving problems.
Building Math Confidence Takes Time
Building math confidence in our Intermediate grade students is a gradual process that requires patience, encouragement, and the use of effective teaching strategies. This is by and large a group that’s still curious and open to learning. By creating a supportive learning environment, breaking down complex concepts, and fostering a growth mindset, educators can help these early middle level kids overcome their math anxiety and develop the confidence they need to succeed in mathematics.
And when students feel confident in their mathematical abilities, they are more likely to embrace other academic challenges and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Kathleen Palmieri is a National Board Certified Teacher, NBCT Professional Learning facilitator and education writer. She is a fifth-grade educator in upstate New York who reviews and writes regularly for MiddleWeb. With a passion for literacy and learning in the classroom, she participates in various writing workshops, curriculum writing endeavors, and math presentations.
As a lifelong learner, Kathie is an avid reader and researcher of educational practices and techniques. Collaborating with colleagues and globally on X and Bluesky and expanding her education adventures at www.kathleenpalmieri.com are ongoing practices.
