If your teen freezes when faced with a tricky math problem — especially a word problem — you’re not alone.
It’s not because they’re bad at math. It’s because they’ve learned to memorize rather than analyze.
What’s the mistake?
Most students are taught to find the example that “looks like the one in the book” and copy the steps. But real math success comes from reasoning, not repeating.
When students don’t recognize the pattern, they shut down. Confidence drops. You both get frustrated.
The 3-Question Method That Builds Math Confidence
We teach a simple, powerful way to help students slow down and solve. It’s just 3 questions:
1. ✅ What do I know?
Start by pulling out the facts.
- What numbers, relationships, or rules are given?
- Write them down or underline them.
🧠 This step activates what they already understand — and it lowers stress.
2. 🎯 What am I trying to find?
Now restate the question.
- What is the problem asking me to do?
- Can I say it in my own words?
✍️ Pro tip: Have your teen write a “goal sentence,” like “I need to find the length of the side” or “I’m solving for x.”
3. 🛠️ What tools or steps could get me there?
Instead of panicking, have them brainstorm possible next steps:
- Could I plug numbers into a formula?
- Can I draw a picture?
- Could I isolate a variable?
Even if it’s not the perfect next step, thinking through it builds momentum.
This Is What We Teach
In our Algebra course, this method is baked into everything we do.
You don’t need to be a math expert — you just need the right tools and questions.
Your teen learns how to approach problems like a thinker, not a robot.
Want help?
If you’re ready to coach your teen with confidence — even if math wasn’t your favorite — we’ve got you covered.
- 💡 Enroll in our Algebra course here
- 📄 Grab our free Homeschool Resources (Five free resources!) for resources you can use.
- 📚 Our Homeschool Transcript Starter Guide is great for getting started with and tracking the big picture.
Let’s raise confident problem solvers together.
