Introduction:

Mathematics includes the study of such topics as quantity (number theory), structure (algebra), space (geometry), and change (analysis). It has no generally accepted definition. 

Math is a subject that is not only applicable in our academics but also in real life. Making kids love this subject is a challenge, especially for parents. It takes a lot of brainpower to master Maths and this can be tough for kids.

Teaching math to your children is as easy as 1+1=2. Go beyond pencil and paper to make math a learning experience that’s fun for you and your kids. 

Making math fun can be seen as a challenge. But, I am here to say that is simply not true. There are many ways that we can make math engaging and fun for our kids.

• MAKE IT HANDS-ON

Have you ever been in a workshop or meeting where the presenter talked on and on?  Do you get fidgety or does your mind wander somewhere else?  Well, I have a secret to tell you. Kids feel the same way. Try turning a lesson that may normally include a lecture and a worksheet into an interactive one. For example, you may have your kids place numbers on an interactive number line or guess the number of objects in a mystery bag.

• USE PICTURE BOOKS

There are so many great picture books out there to use during your math lesson. You can find topics that range from counting to multiplication. Read-alouds are ideal for drawing children into the math skill that will be taught.

• PLAY GAMES

Who doesn’t like to play games? Printable games or digital games are the perfect way for students to learn and have fun at the same time.  There are a wide variety of game types that you can use when teaching or reviewing math concepts. Off the top of my head, I can think of BINGO, War, Concentration, and the list goes on…..

• ASK INTERESTING MATH QUESTIONS

This goes back to the above statement. Kids like to talk! So let’s ask them more open-ended questions. An example of this may be to ask “Why did you use this strategy to solve the problem?” Also, try asking questions where there may be more than one answer. Kids will become motivated to find them all.

• IMPLEMENT ENGAGING ROUTINES

Sometimes a little repetition is not a bad thing. In my teaching career, I have noticed one thing to be true. Kids love routines (even if they fight against them sometimes). Routines will help you maximize time because your students know the set expectations. As long as you keep the routines engaging, students will be tuned in and look forward to more.

• MAKE IT ABOUT THE KIDS

Kids love when we make learning more authentic.  Try substituting student names in your word problems or using a math activity to introduce themselves to one another at the beginning of the year.

• GO ONLINE

There are so many cool online math websites and apps that you can download to review math skills.  One of my favorites is Kahoot! And Multibhashi.

• BRING IN REAL OBJECTS

The lessons that I remember the most when I was in elementary school involved the teacher using real objects to teach a concept. You can be really creative when teaching topics like geometry, measurement, graphing, addition…..just about any math topic. Try using a pumpkin to teach addition or use real items to solve a word problem.

• GET UP AND MOVE

We know that children and adults have different learning styles, so mix things up a little bit and include activities where students have to get up and move.  It can be a brief brain break that includes math or a longer activity than where students must sort themselves into groups. Either way, your kinesthetic learners will thank you.

• DRAW MATH MODELS

Drawing can be fun and educational.  I believe strongly in the CPA (Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract) model. When teaching a math concept using the CPA model, kids first manipulate concrete objects, then move onto drawing models through picture representations and finally use only numbers and math symbols (which is abstract for them). Give students multiple opportunities to draw picture representations. This is where you can really see if students grasp the concept.

• USE MATH MANIPULATIVES

Math is manipulative for everyone! Contrary to popular belief math manipulatives are not only for kindergarten students. They are beneficial in all elementary grade levels. Going back to the CPA model, I have noticed that a lot of times teachers may skip this step. I was guilty too! However, this step is essential for conceptual learning. And if you don’t have access to any of your schools, you can make your own.

• INTEGRATE SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES

I don’t know about you but I have noticed that students are very attentive during science and social studies time. Use their natural curiosity about these topics to tie into your math lessons. For example, if you are teaching about goods and services in social studies, money would be a perfect connecting topic. If you are studying plants, measure their length with a ruler. Be creative!

• ENCOURAGE COOPERATIVE LEARNING

Create an environment where it is common for students to work in pairs or small teams. They can solve math problems and hold each other accountable. They will also enjoy working with their peers.

• INCLUDE PARENTS

Yes! This is a MUST! Share ways to make math fun with parents. You can even send home ideas for simple hands-on activities that parents can do with their kids. This way kids are getting the message at home and at school that math is not a scary subject.

• CELEBRATE SPECIAL MATH EVENTS

Make a BIG deal out of those special math times of the year. Namely, the 100th Day of School and Pi Day. Although these are the Big 2, you can come up with creative ways to celebrate student math accomplishments (i.e. knowing all of their multiplication facts) as well.

 

Whew! That was a long list. I hope that you will take away Three or four ideas from this list and make math fun!  For many, math is a very intimidating and challenging subject. For others, it is a straightforward exercise in logic. As a teacher of math, you are likely to encounter students of both categories. Whether you are teaching young children or older students, it is good to have a variety of methods for explaining and practicing math concepts. Remember to be patient and encouraging, and you will help students of all skill levels to learn that math is not something to be afraid of, but a subject to get excited about.