What advice can I say to my classmate when she is struggling in math?

1 answer

Supporting a classmate who is struggling in math can make a significant difference. Here are some suggestions on what you could say or do:

  1. Encourage Positivity: “It’s completely okay to find math challenging. Many people do at some point. You’re not alone!”

  2. Offer Help: “If you want, I can help you. We can study together or go over some problems.”

  3. Suggest Resources: “Have you thought about using online resources or videos? Sometimes a different explanation can clear things up.”

  4. Break It Down: “Let’s break this problem down step by step. It can be easier to tackle when we take it one part at a time.”

  5. Practice Together: “How about we do some practice problems together? Sometimes working with someone else makes it easier to understand.”

  6. Ask Questions: “What part are you finding the most confusing? Maybe we can figure it out together.”

  7. Be Patient: “Take your time; it’s important to understand the concepts rather than just getting the right answer.”

  8. Remind Her of Progress: “Remember how much you’ve improved since the beginning of the year? You’re learning, and that’s what matters.”

  9. Encourage a Growth Mindset: “Every mathematician has struggled at some point. Keep trying, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re part of learning!”

  10. Promote Seeking Additional Help: “Talking to the teacher or getting a tutor can also be really beneficial. They might have different strategies that can help.”

Your support can boost her confidence and help her feel more comfortable with the subject. Good luck!