Students
- Struggling with maths or feeling it’s too hard
- Anxious before tests and exams
- Ready to build confidence in any subject
Home / The Book
The handbook
A practical guide to thinking, responding and growing in maths
This handbook is written for students, parents and teachers. It gives all three a shared language and approach to learning that goes beyond the classroom.
The big question
What if academic success wasn’t about intelligence?
In 8 Steps to Maths Success, Craig Cameron introduces a practical framework that helps students overcome limiting beliefs, manage anxiety and build the confidence to succeed. It works in maths and in any other subject, and it carries over into life.
The book builds on Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindset: the belief that ability can be developed through effort, good strategies and help from others. Every chapter turns that idea into things a student can practise, a parent can encourage at home and a teacher can build into a lesson.
What’s inside
Through eight steps, you will discover how to
Each chapter explains the idea, shows what it looks like in a real maths classroom and ends with exercises you can use straight away.
Develop a growth mindset and overcome self-doubt
Growth versus fixed mindset in maths, the power of “yet”, and ten common maths misconceptions turned into empowering beliefs.
Embrace challenges with confidence and clarity
Breaking a hard topic into small parts, setting a timeline, gathering resources and staying flexible.
Build resilience through failure and setbacks
Redefining failure, learning from mistakes, and the role that parents and peers play in helping students bounce back.
Manage maths anxiety using proven techniques
Recognising the signs, then using deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation and a personal long-term plan.
Set realistic, meaningful goals
Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound goals, with tracking tools and worked case studies.
Use positive self-talk to reshape thinking
Spotting the saboteur in your mind, keeping a self-talk journal and turning negative thoughts into affirmations.
Apply visualisation for improved performance
Mental rehearsal before tests, guided imagery and vision boards that bring long-term goals to life.
Celebrate progress and sustain motivation
Personal reward systems, celebration rituals and how the brain’s reward system keeps effort going.
Who it’s for
One book, three readers
Parents
- Supporting a child who feels discouraged
- Encouraging effort and persistence at home
- Talking about maths without passing on fear
Teachers
- Building a positive maths classroom
- Motivating students who have given up
- Teaching mindset alongside content
From the book
“Success is not reserved for the geniuses. It’s about adopting the right mindset, embracing challenges, learning from failure, and cultivating resilience.”
— INTRODUCTION
Get your copy
Order the book
Choose the format that suits you. Save with the Family bundle: the book plus the online learner course for R599.
PaperbackR279
Print edition
The full handbook with exercises, journal prompts and trackers. Delivered in South Africa.
Order paperbackeBookR129 · US$6.99
Digital edition
Read on your phone, tablet or computer, and start straight away. International paperback: US$12.99.
Get the eBookSchools · 20+ copiesR209 each
Class sets
Copies for a grade or a staffroom, with an optional workshop to launch the 8 Steps at your school.
Ask about class setsQuestions
Frequently asked
What age is the book for?
The strategies suit high school learners best, from Grade 8 to matric, but parents and teachers of younger children will find the mindset ideas just as useful.
Is it a maths textbook?
No. It doesn’t teach the syllabus. It teaches students how to approach learning maths, so that the work they do with teachers and tutors actually sticks.
Does it only help with maths?
Maths is the focus because that’s where fear and fixed beliefs are strongest, but the eight steps apply to any subject and to challenges outside school. The 8 Steps for Life courses apply them to everyday life for teens, parents and teachers.
Can my school use it as part of a programme?
Yes. The book is the foundation of the 8-Week Programme and the school workshops. See the For Schools page or send Craig an enquiry.