How To Help Kids With ADHD Learn Math

Help kids with adhd learn math this image shows children learning math in a classroom
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Math relies heavily on memory, organization and attention. These are particularly difficult for any child with executive function challenges. In addition to all of these obstacles, there seems to be a growing trend of the importance of math in order to be successful in school. In this day and age, kids are naturally under added pressure to excel at math and choose a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). This is the perfect equation to make help kids with ADHD learn math. When a child is worried about something, it’s almost always more difficult to learn.

Helping Kids with ADHD Learn Math: Building Confidence and Support

When it comes to supporting children with ADHD in learning math, it’s crucial to address any anxiety or self-defeating thoughts they may have about their abilities. By focusing on their worries and providing reassurance, you can help build their confidence and provide the necessary support. Here’s how you can approach it:

  • Listen and Acknowledge: Take the time to listen to your child’s worries and acknowledge their feelings. Let them know that it’s normal to find math challenging at times.
  • Offer Support: Assure your kid that you are there to help them overcome any obstacles they may face in learning math. Please encourage them to ask for assistance when needed.
  • Break It Down: Break down math concepts into smaller, more manageable parts. Use visual aids, manipulatives, or hands-on activities to make the learning process more engaging and accessible.
  • Provide Practice Opportunities: Offer ample practice opportunities to reinforce math skills. This can include worksheets, online math games, or real-life scenarios where math is applied.
  • Celebrate Progress: Recognize and celebrate your child’s progress and achievements in math. Encourage their efforts and highlight their strengths to boost their confidence.

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Supporting Math Learning for Kids with ADHD

Here are some additional strategies you can implement to help kids with ADHD learn math:

Strategy
Provide a quiet and organized workspace free from distractions to enhance focus during math activities.
Use color-coding or highlighters to emphasize important information or steps in math problems.
Break complex math problems into step-by-step instructions to make them more manageable.
Utilize technology tools or math apps that offer interactive and engaging ways to learn math concepts.
Collaborate with teachers or seek professional support if your child continues to face significant challenges in math.
Help kids with adhd learn math this image shows a little girl solving a math problem on a chalkboard
Read more: Math Anxiety and Working Memory in Kids

Making Math a Habit

Create a positive association with math starting from a very young age (although it is never too late to start), the same way you may have already done with reading. Many parents read for pleasure with their children daily, but many do not take the time to build math skills in the same way. Create a habit to count everything!

  • If you’re walking, you can count the number of steps it takes you to get to where you are going.
  • If you’re sitting still, you can count the number of cars that drive by.

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Everything in this world is countable. Once they have mastered counting, move onto addition and subtraction.

  • As your child is brushing their teeth in the morning, count their top teeth, count their bottom teeth, and then ask them how many they have in total.
  • When you give them their dinner plate, count each different food item separately and then ask them how many total pieces of food they have.
  • Have your child count as they are cleaning up toys to figure out how many more toys they have left to clean up.
  • As your child moves on to multiplication, do not forget to point out the rows and columns in everyday items like egg cartons or ice cube trays and ask them how many total items are in the container.
  • Your child can figure out how many windows a multi-story building has by multiplying.
  • When packing a suitcase, have your child calculate how many socks they will need by multiplying by 2. The possibilities are endless throughout the day, and every simple math fact that you complete with your child will only make their math foundation stronger.

Recalling basic math facts quickly is an essential skill for your child to be successful at math in school and also as they use math in their daily life. As the math gets more complex, there are other ways to help them succeed. There are also several tools at your disposal.

Help kids with adhd learn math this image shows a child solving math example using toy numbers
Read more: Free Counting Apps for 3 Year Old's

Using Music to Help Kids with ADHD Learn Math: Engaging and Effective Strategies

When it comes to helping kids with ADHD learn math, music can be a powerful tool. Not only can catchy tunes make learning more enjoyable, but research has also shown that music can boost dopamine levels in the brain, which is beneficial for kids with ADHD. Here are some strategies to incorporate music into math learning:

  • Math Songs: Search online for math songs that cover various concepts like mental math, geometry, or fractions. These catchy tunes can help your child remember important math facts and formulas.
  • Rhythmic Counting: Encourage your child to count or recite math facts using rhythmic patterns or beats. This can enhance focus and engagement during math activities.
  • Math-themed Playlist: Create a math-themed playlist with upbeat and motivating songs that your child can listen to while doing math exercises or homework.
  • Multisensory Approach: Combine music with visual aids, such as flashcards or manipulatives, to reinforce math concepts and engage multiple senses in the learning process.
  • Math Apps with Music: Explore educational math apps that incorporate music and interactive elements to make learning more interactive and enjoyable for kids with ADHD.

Benefits of Using Music in Math Learning for Kids with ADHD

Here are some benefits of using music to help kids with ADHD learn math:

Benefits
Increased engagement and motivation during math activities
Improved retention and recall of math concepts
Enhanced focus and attention through rhythmic patterns
Boosted dopamine levels in the brain, promoting a positive learning experience
Read More: 5 Benefits of Playing a Musical Instrument

By incorporating music into math learning, you can create a fun and effective learning environment that helps kids with ADHD build their math skills while enjoying the process.

Other Useful Math Strategies

Some other helpful strategies to help your children with math include:

  • When possible, break down the instructions into the smallest available steps to make it easier for your child to focus on one thing at a time instead of being overwhelmed with multiple steps.
  • Keep a neatly written out step-by-step example right in front of them that they can reference whenever they get lost in a problem.
  • Provide real-life examples to help make difficult math concepts come alive.
  • Always limit any unnecessary distractions. Math is hard enough without having to deal with external stimuli making it even more difficult.
  • Keep sensory items nearby. Your child will be able to focus better with their favorite fidget toy in their hand or some gum in their mouth.
  • Avoid setting a deadline for completion of the work because the deadline can trigger an unpleasant anxiety reaction.
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In conclusion, supporting kids with ADHD in learning math is crucial for their academic success and overall development. By employing strategies tailored to their specific needs, such as using music, incorporating visual aids, and utilizing interactive math apps, parents can create an engaging and effective learning environment. With patience, creativity, and a supportive approach, parents can help their children with ADHD thrive in their math education and build a strong foundation for future learning.


FAQs About How to Help Kids With ADHD Learn Math

How can I help my child with ADHD learn math?
One way to help kids with ADHD learn math is by breaking down concepts into smaller, more manageable pieces. Using visual aids like graphs, charts, or diagrams can also be helpful. Additionally, incorporating hands-on activities or games into math practice can keep children engaged and focused.
What are some common challenges for kids with ADHD in learning math?
Children with ADHD may struggle with staying focused on math tasks, following multi-step directions, and remembering formulas or concepts. They may also have difficulty with timed tests or with sitting still for extended periods of time.
What are some strategies for helping kids with ADHD stay focused during math lessons?
Some strategies that can help kids with ADHD stay focused during math lessons include using a timer to break down work into manageable chunks, providing frequent breaks, minimizing distractions in the environment, and allowing for movement breaks or fidgets.
Are there any apps or tools that can help kids with ADHD learn math?
Yes, there are a variety of apps and tools available that can help kids with ADHD learn math in a fun and engaging way. Some examples include Math Games, Math Playground, and Prodigy Math Game. Additionally, assistive technology tools like text-to-speech or speech-to-text software can be helpful for kids who struggle with reading or writing math problems.

This post was originally published on 12/28/2020. It was updated on 02/08/2024.

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Editor’s note: This information is not meant to diagnose or treat. It should not take the place of personal consultation, as needed, with a qualified healthcare provider and/or BCBA.

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