Math Anxiety

How to Manage Math Anxiety in K-8 Using the Singapore Math Approach

Math anxiety is real, and it’s showing up in students earlier than ever. How can teachers identify it and help their students manage it?

We have gathered insights from experts in the space to help break down this challenge that has become increasingly prevalent in K-8 education. Math Content Specialist, ​​Jessica Kaminski, M.Ed., explains that math anxiety can manifest in different forms, sharing that “in our younger students, it looks like avoidant behavior... crying or distraction... just not doing it.”

Whether it’s shutting down, acting out, or resisting participation, math anxiety can keep students from engaging in meaningful learning. Fortunately, the Singapore Math methodology, at the core of Marshall Cavendish Education’s Primary Mathematics curriculum, provides specific strategies to help address that anxiety—not only for students, but also for the adults who support them. Before we explore strategies for managing math anxiety, it’s important to first understand the foundations of Singapore Math.

What is the Singapore Math methodology?

Singapore Math is a research-based, systematic approach to teaching math that helps students build a deep, connected understanding of mathematical concepts. Education Consultant Wenxi Lee, experienced this method firsthand as a student in Singapore and now supports U.S. schools as an expert, explains that its spiral design—both within and across grade levels—gives students a clear framework to organize their learning and see math as an interconnected discipline.

A crucial component of the Singapore Math methodology is the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) approach, which uses hands-on tools and visual models before introducing abstract symbols, making learning both accessible and meaningful. Unlike many U.S. programs that lean heavily toward either conceptual or procedural instruction, Singapore Math balances both. Its core philosophy centers on developing problem solvers through five key components: concepts, skills, processes, metacognition, and attitudes—all of which are embedded in the design of Primary Mathematics to foster lasting success.

Addressing the Root Causes of Math Anxiety

At the core of math anxiety is often a mindset problem: students internalize the idea that mathematical ability is something you're either born with or you're not. These limiting beliefs can take root early and quickly become self-fulfilling. National Education Consultant Chris Coyne explains, “​One of the things that develops or perpetuates math anxiety in students is the thought that there are math people and there are non-math people. And research shows there's no such thing as a ‘math gene’.” Unfortunately, this limiting belief is often passed down.

Many adults, whether parents or teachers, carry their own past experiences with math, which can subtly influence how they talk about and approach the subject with children. Even when unintentional, these attitudes can shape how young learners feel about math and their own abilities. Education Consultant, ​​Karie Gladis, agrees and adds that “this perception that you're either a math person or not a math person... we need to be addressing that, and we also need to be addressing it at the parent level.”

How can adults help prevent the cycle of math anxiety? Whether you’ve always loved math or found it challenging, it’s important to approach the subject with a positive and open mindset, especially when helping a child with their math assignments. Avoid expressing frustration, fear, or dislike when helping with math, as those feelings can unintentionally shape a child’s perception of their own abilities. Instead, focus on encouragement: remind them that it’s okay to take their time, that understanding is more important than speed, and that there’s often more than one way to solve a problem.

How Primary Mathematics Creates a Safe and Supportive Environment

The structure and philosophy of Marshall Cavendish Education’s Primary Mathematics curriculum are designed to reduce pressure and build confidence. “The problems in Primary Mathematics are presented in such a way... that all students have an entry point,” says Coyne. “It develops a bit of confidence.” One reason this works so well is predictability. “​​Every day is kind of predictable in the sense that you know the way the lesson’s going to unfold,” says Kaminski. “So that helps with anxiety for students because they know, ‘I know my lesson's going to start out this way, this is the way it's going to end.”

The consistency of the program also supports educators, especially those who may not have learned math this specific way themselves. As Kaminski explains, “If this was not the way that they learned and they have anxiety about that... there are teaching components that are going to help teachers. So together, students, teachers, and parents, we can all tackle new math together.” At Marshall Cavendish Education, we believe that strong curriculum materials alone aren’t enough; effective instruction requires thoughtful delivery and a clear understanding of the approach. That’s why Primary Mathematics places a strong emphasis on teacher education and training, ensuring educators feel confident and equipped to guide their students.

CPA: A Scaffold for Confidence

The Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) approach at the heart of Primary Mathematics gently guides students from hands-on exploration to deeper understanding. This method begins with hands-on exploration using manipulatives, allowing students to physically engage with the math and build foundational understanding. From there, they move into the pictorial phase, where tools like bar models and number bonds help them visualize and organize their thinking. Only after these stages do students transition to abstract symbols and algorithms, ensuring they reach this level with the confidence and comprehension to make sense of it.

​​This structure offers students multiple tools to access problems and removes the fear of the unknown. “When we're using the CPA approach in our classroom and we're thinking about math anxiety... it's allowing our students to start from the most basic components and move to the most challenging instead of hitting them with the hardest problem,” says Kaminski.

Additionally, ​​research consistently shows that students learn math most effectively through the CPA approach. This method begins with hands-on exploration using manipulatives, allowing students to physically engage with the math and build foundational understanding. From there, they move into the pictorial phase, where tools like bar models and number bonds help them visualize and organize their thinking. Only after these stages do students transition to abstract symbols and algorithms, ensuring they reach this level with the confidence and comprehension to make sense of it. As a result, the CPA approach helps to reduce math anxiety for students of all levels.

Encouraging Risk-Taking and Resilience

One of the most powerful aspects of Primary Mathematics is the environment it fosters; one where mistakes are expected, embraced, and used as learning opportunities: “Some mistakes may be made. And while we're learning, mistakes are okay,” says Coyne. “There's a lot of value in an incorrect answer.” Consulting Author of Primary Mathematics, Susan Resnick, describes how this mindset plays out in practice: “What you see in younger learners is sort of a lack of willingness to take a risk or to try... So one of the things we do is we use a lot of whiteboards... non-permanent surfaces, which increases risk-taking behavior.” And for students who are quick to get the right answer, she continues, “we don't stop there... I’m asking you to explain to me how or why you knew that... That kind of lowers anxiety because there’s many different explanations... they're not all shooting for the same target.”

What’s wonderful about this culture of curiosity and exploration is that it not only deepens mathematical understanding, but it also builds confidence in students who may otherwise feel anxious when it comes to math. By normalizing mistakes and valuing the thinking behind each answer, Primary Mathematics helps students see themselves as capable, resilient problem solvers.

Building a Classroom Culture of Growth

The Singapore Math philosophy values not just what students learn, but how they feel about learning it. “Singapore Math is very intentional in the way that we want everyone's attitude to be towards mathematics,” Kaminski says. “It’s not, ‘I wake up today and I'm excellent at math or I'm bad at math.’ It’s, ‘This is a problem that we're all gonna tackle together.’” She adds, “I think teachers should communicate to students that it's okay if they're frustrated... I love using a growth mindset. I love considering that we can't do it now, but maybe we can do it tomorrow.”

With this kind of classroom culture, supported by a consistent lesson structure, visual models, and flexible entry points, students learn not just how to solve math problems, but how to approach challenges with persistence and self-belief.

Confidence Can Be Taught

By no means does math anxiety disappear overnight, but the right approach certainly makes a difference. Kaminski recalls, “I saw one student in fourth grade... he was not giving me much, so I kind of changed my questioning... gave him a choice... and he started showing me with this manipulative drawing.” That moment was a turning point—not because the student suddenly knew all the answers, but because someone gave him tools, language, and space to engage. With Primary Mathematics, those supports are built into every lesson, every tool, every teaching strategy. And with time, they help every student start to believe: I can do this.

Want to learn more about how Primary Mathematics by Marshall Cavendish Education, reduces math anxiety and builds student confidence? Explore the program or contact us to speak with a specialist.

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