Are you scared of math or numbers in general? If your answer was yes, then you are probably arithmophobic. Arithmophobia is basically the fear of math or numbers in general. It can take many forms, but the most common one is the fear of mathematical equations and is usually found in students. The other type of arithmophobia is the fear of numbers. There are two types here: one generalized arithmophobia, and the other one is fear of specific numbers.
Generalized Arithmophia
Generalized arithmophobia is the fear of all numbers. This is what usually causes the fear of mathematical equations. A person suffering from this version of arithmophobia finds it very difficult to do math. This limits a person's educational and professional opportunities as well.
Fear of a specific number
The fear of specific numbers is a little less intimidating because the anxiety or fear only arises under certain circumstances. This type of arithmophobia is usually linked to religious superstitions, myths, or generally superstitions. Like the fear of number 13 (triskaidekaphobia) in the west and the fear of number 4 (tetraphobia) in Asia.
Now is there any way to overcome this fear and enable students with this phobia to do math? Yes, there are a few ways to do so:
Using colors to indicate a change in numbers, because colors do this job better than numbers.
2. Using pictures instead of numbers, for example, to show the number 2, show a picture of 2 apples instead. This will ensure that the child is not intimidated.
3. Using words instead of numbers, like instead of showing 2, show two.
Ohh!!