In general, it is not difficult to notice that it has even become socially common to say, “I’m no good at math(s),” as if it is some special sort of honour or accolade. Funny enough, by the same token, it is uncommon to hear people proudly say, “I’m no good at reading.” It appears that people seem embarrassed to say that.
That’s really how math(s) should be. Why should math(s), a key life skill be any different? Speaking negatively about math(s) can affect children perspective, as well as the mindsets of adults. I encourage positive statements, such as, “I am trying to improve my math(s),” instead of statements like, “I am terrible at math(s)”.
Remember, math(s) is key to thriving in today’s world.
Children of today and future generations will not be able to get away with what the older generations (e.g., the baby boomer generation) got away with. For example, a minimum of a “C” grade is a basic requirement for unskilled and semi-skilled jobs today alone. The educational expectations of today’s children are at the highest.
Children, therefore, need to become confident earlier on in life, especially with their math(s) skills.
Ideally, to help children, we need to be slightly tweaking what’s socially acceptable or not, and what we should not be promoting as ok.
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