Maths Mindset
What to say instead of I was bad at maths
Help adults model confidence and curiosity around maths.
Quick answer
Instead of saying "I was bad at maths", you can say "I’m still learning maths" or "Maths is hard for me, but I’m getting better" or "I don’t know this yet, but I’m going to try".Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will understand how to use positive words about maths, and you will know how to help others feel confident when they are learning maths. Success signs:- You can say something positive about maths when you don’t know something
- You can encourage a friend or sibling who is struggling with maths
- You can explain that learning maths is a process, not a fixed skill
- You can show that making mistakes is part of learning
Why this matters
Maths is not about being “good” or “bad” – it’s about learning and growing. When you say “I was bad at maths”, it can make others think that maths is something you either “get” or you don’t. This can stop people from trying new things, asking questions, or learning. But maths is like a sport or a skill – the more you practice, the better you get. When you say things like “I’m still learning” or “I don’t know this yet, but I’m going to try”, you show that you believe in yourself and that you’re curious about maths.How it works
When you learn maths, you don’t always get it right the first time. That’s normal! When you try a new maths problem, it’s okay to make mistakes. What matters is that you keep trying and keep learning. If you say things like “I was bad at maths” or “I’m not good at maths”, you are limiting your own learning. But if you say things like “I don’t know this yet, but I’m going to try” or “I’m learning something new today”, you are showing that you are brave and curious. Here are the steps to help you change your words:- Notice when you say “I was bad at maths”
- Think of a better way to say it
- Try saying the new words out loud
- Practice using these new words when you do maths
Examples you can see
Let’s imagine you are learning how to multiply. You are working on the 3 times table and you don’t know 3 x 7 yet. Instead of saying “I was bad at maths”, you can say:- “I don’t know 3 x 7 yet, but I can count by 3s to find out.”
- “I’m still learning my multiplication tables, and that’s okay.”
- “I’m going to try a few more problems and see how I go.”
- Imagine you are helping your mum bake a cake. The recipe says you need 3 cups of flour for each batch. You have 4 batches to make. Instead of saying “I was bad at maths”, you can say, “I need to multiply 3 by 4 to find out how much flour I need.”
- Imagine you are playing a board game and you need to count the number of spaces you move. If you get it wrong, instead of saying “I was bad at maths”, you can say, “I’m still learning to count, and I’ll try again.”
Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The Maths Mindset Challenge You are on a quest to help your friend feel better about maths. Here’s your challenge: 1st time: You see your friend say, “I was bad at maths.” What can you say to help them feel better? 2nd time: You help them try a new problem. They make a mistake. What do you say to encourage them? 3rd time: You try a new maths activity with your friend. You both make mistakes. What do you say to each other? 4th time: You write down 3 new phrases you can use instead of “I was bad at maths”. Answer: 1st time: You can say, “That’s okay, everyone makes mistakes when learning. What do you think you can try next?” 2nd time: You can say, “That’s okay, mistakes help us learn. Let’s try again.” 3rd time: You can say, “We’re both learning, and that’s great!” 4th time: You can write down:- “I’m still learning maths.”
- “I don’t know this yet, but I’m going to try.”
- “I’m getting better at maths every day.”
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Saying “I was bad at maths” when you don’t know something. Why it happens: You may have heard someone say this or maybe you think it's a way to be honest. Fix: Try saying “I don’t know this yet, but I’m going to try.”
- Mistake: Thinking that if you don’t get something right away, you’re not good at maths. Why it happens: You might have been told that maths is about being fast and perfect. Fix: Remember that learning takes time and that it’s okay to make mistakes.
- Mistake: Not encouraging others when they make a mistake. Why it happens: You might think that being kind is the same as being wrong. Fix: Encourage others by saying things like, “That’s okay, let’s try again.”
Parent and carer guide
As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:- Modeling positive language about maths. Instead of saying “I was bad at maths”, try “I’m still learning maths” or “I’m getting better at this.”
- Encouraging your child when they make mistakes. Say, “That’s okay, let’s try again.”
- Letting your child know that it’s okay to not know something. Ask questions like, “What do you think you can try next?”
- Practising positive phrases together. You can write down new words and practice saying them out loud.
- Helping your child see that learning is a journey, not a race. Celebrate small wins and progress.
Practice questions
- What is a better way to say “I was bad at maths”?
- Answer: “I’m still learning maths.”
- Why is it good to say “I don’t know this yet, but I’m going to try”?
- Answer: It shows curiosity and a willingness to learn.
- What can you say to a friend who is struggling with a maths problem?
- Answer: “That’s okay, let’s try again.”
- Which of these is NOT a good way to talk about maths?
- Answer: “I was bad at maths.”
- What can you say to help someone feel confident about learning maths?
- Answer: “I’m getting better at maths every day.”
FAQ
What does it mean to have a growth mindset in maths?
A growth mindset means believing that you can improve at maths with practice and effort. It’s not about being “good” or “bad” – it’s about learning and growing.
How can I help my child change their words about maths?
You can model positive language, encourage them when they make mistakes, and help them see that learning takes time and effort.
Why is it important to talk about mistakes in maths?
Mistakes are a natural part of learning. They help us understand what we need to practice and improve.
What are some phrases I can use instead of “I was bad at maths”?
Some good phrases are: “I’m still learning maths”, “I don’t know this yet, but I’m going to try”, and “I’m getting better at maths every day.”
How can I make maths feel less scary for my child?
You can make maths fun by playing games, cooking, or doing real-life maths activities. You can also talk about how everyone makes mistakes and learns from them.