Many young people feel uncertain about their math abilities. Helping youth build confidence in math encourages persistence and strengthens academic success.
Adults can support math confidence by emphasizing effort rather than perfection. When youth understand that mistakes are part of learning, they become more willing to try challenging problems.
Hands-on activities, games, and real-world examples can also make math more engaging and understandable.
Encouraging youth to explain their thinking helps them recognize that there are often multiple ways to approach a problem.
Child Champions recognize that confidence plays an important role in learning. When youth believe they are capable of solving problems, they become more willing to explore, practice, and improve their math skills.