Examining the Effectiveness of a Combined Math and Relaxation Intervention for Students with Math Anxiety

Scheman et al. (2025) tested a daily 15-minute package for fifth graders who freeze up during math. The kids first did two minutes of breathing and muscle relaxation. Then they worked through fast-paced math drills: the teacher modeled a times table, kids repeated it, then they copied and recalled facts on their own. A short math game ended the session.

Four students joined the study. The team tracked multiplication scores and asked kids how nervous they felt. They also wore wristbands that measured sweat, a sign of stress.

Three of the four students doubled or tripled their multiplication accuracy after the package started. Two students also said they felt less nervous. The wristband data, however, did not change for anyone. In other words, the kids got better at math and felt calmer, but their bodies still showed the same stress signals.

Berrett et al. (2018) used a similar design with third graders and saw the same jump in multiplication scores, but they used only a computer game. Adding the two-minute relaxation drill in Scheman et al. gives the same math gain while also cutting self-reported anxiety.

Kostewicz et al. (2020) showed that quick, repeated practice of tiny skills helps kindergarteners spell better. Scheman et al. apply the same idea—brief, timed drills—to older kids and layer on relaxation.

Rothbaum et al. (1999) used virtual reality to lower phobia in adults. Both studies aim to reduce anxiety, yet Scheman et al. do it in a real classroom with paper, pencils, and two minutes of breathing instead of expensive headsets.

You can copy this package tomorrow. Open class with two minutes of slow breathing and shoulder rolls. Then run a tight five-minute math drill: model, repeat, cover-copy-compare, finish with a quick game. You need no gear beyond a timer and flashcards. The study shows this tiny add-on can raise scores and calm nerves without extra staff or tech.