Why Literacy and Numeracy Are More Than Maths and English: Supporting Children Who Dislike Formal Exercises

Many parents worry when their children dislike writing or struggle with formal maths exercises. With so much emphasis placed on literacy and numeracy in education, it’s easy to feel anxious about whether your child is “keeping up.” But the truth is, literacy and numeracy are much broader than just English and maths lessons—and a dislike of formal exercises won’t hold a child back if they’re supported in the right ways.

Literacy: Beyond Reading and Writing

Literacy is often defined as the ability to read and write, but it’s much more than that. It includes:

• Speaking and listening: Communicating ideas, expressing feelings, and understanding others.

• Digital literacy: Navigating online platforms, creating content, and using technology for learning and creativity.

• Comprehension and storytelling: Understanding instructions, following recipes, telling stories, and sharing experiences.

Children who dislike writing often excel in other areas of literacy. They may love telling stories, singing, making videos, or explaining how things work. These skills are just as valuable as formal writing, and they lay the foundation for effective communication in adult life.

Numeracy: More Than Maths Lessons

Numeracy isn’t just about solving equations or memorising times tables. It’s about applying mathematical thinking to everyday life:

• Budgeting and shopping: Comparing prices, managing money, and making decisions.

• Cooking and measuring: Doubling recipes, weighing ingredients, and following instructions.

• Planning and problem-solving: Organising activities, evaluating options, and adapting to change.

Children who dislike formal maths often show strong numeracy in practical contexts. They might enjoy budgeting for a shopping trip, planning a game strategy, or measuring for a recipe. These experiences build confidence and real-world skills that are essential for adulthood.

Why Disliking Formal Exercises Won’t Hold a Child Back

It’s normal for children to dislike certain formal exercises, especially if they feel pressured or if the activities don’t connect with their interests. What matters most is that they develop the underlying skills in ways that are meaningful to them.

• Interest-led learning: Embedding literacy and numeracy in activities your child enjoys—like gaming, cooking, music, or digital projects—makes learning natural and relevant.

• Real-life application: Children learn best when they see the purpose behind a skill. Writing a recipe, budgeting for a project, or creating a video script can be more motivating than a worksheet.

• Celebrating strengths: Focusing on what your child does well builds confidence and resilience. Many successful adults disliked writing or maths as children but found their voice and skills later, when their interests and needs aligned.

How to Support Your Child

• Encourage communication in all forms: Storytelling, singing, video creation, and discussion are all valuable ways to build literacy.

• Embed numeracy in daily life: Let your child help with shopping, cooking, or planning activities to develop practical maths skills.

• Make writing and maths relevant: Connect formal exercises to your child’s interests, and celebrate small successes.

• Avoid pressure: Support your child’s growth at their own pace, and remember that learning is a lifelong journey.

Conclusion

Literacy and numeracy are essential life skills, but they are much broader than just English and maths lessons. Children who dislike formal exercises can—and do—develop these skills through real-life experiences, creative projects, and interest-led learning. By focusing on strengths and making learning meaningful, we prepare our children for confident, capable adulthood—no matter how they feel about writing or maths.

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