Make Math Concepts Feel Fun to Students
When the bell sounds, you tell them to take out their mathematics work, and they grumble. When it comes to math, not every child is enthusiastic. However, we believe in making math enjoyable for children and assisting them in enjoying the learning process.
Because engaging your math class is a journey that looks different for each student, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. We’ve compiled a list of ideas for making math fun for every student in your class. Continue reading to see which one is best for your school!
Why Don’t Some Kids Enjoy Math?
Because each child is unique, they may have many reasons for fearing math class or avoiding math homework.
- Difficulty â If a kid has trouble keeping up with math homework or comprehending lessons, it’s easy for them to get disengaged, disappointed, or anxious.
- Boredom â Math work that kids have already learned might cause them to grow bored and disengaged if they aren’t being pushed enough or require additional tools to stay occupied.
- General interest â Perhaps your child prefers reading, science, or art to memorizing arithmetic concepts. They may be prioritizing work in these classes, or they may be uninterested in arithmetic.
- Math anxiety â Some children have many concerns about tests and grades. When they struggle to grasp new concepts, this stress is amplified, causing them to get agitated and lose focus.
Ways to Make It Fun!
Promote Collaborative Math Idea
Collaborative talks about arithmetic ideas help students learn a lot. Students can convey concepts in a small group setting by talking through a math problem with a partner.
They can try new things and learn from one another, which is one of the most effective ways for middle school pupils to learn. Anyone (particularly adults) who breaks out in hives when they hear the term “grappled with division.”
Visual Aids and Colorful Picture in Books
If you have a visual learner in your class, charts, picture books, and other visual aids can assist them to understand new approaches and provide reference points as they work. Picture books are also an excellent way to engage students who prefer to see and read rather than do the math. There’s something for every youngster to learn new math abilities, whether reading or sketching!
Remain Firm to Fixed Routines
When it comes to math class, having an established pattern can help kids feel more calm and secure, especially if they battle with arithmetic anxiety. Outline expectations for students and what they should bring to class, whether a sharp pencil and paper or just a keen intellect.
Choose a topic to begin your lesson with, whether it’s a new concept or a review of an old one:
- Give them a discussion question and have them explain how they came up with a solution.
- Ask kids to define some vocab words that you’ve written on the board.
- Assign older pupils the task of analyzing a piece of mathematical writing by a different expert.
Project-Based Learning Approach
Students build a mental framework of concepts when working on hands-on math projects. Because they’re so focused on protecting salamanders, assessing contaminants in a nearby water source, or calculating how much food is needed to address a food shortage in their community, they may not even realize they’re doing it.
It’s all arithmetic, but it’s dressed up as Getting Things Done. Even if students aren’t completely sold on math, I’m sure they enjoy Getting Things Done.
Hands-On Approach
Worksheets aren’t always the most engaging, as any teacher knows. Finding real-life examples of formulas and concepts, or fascinating student interests in relevant work problems, are examples of a hands-on approach in the math classroom.
Try a beach ball toss with equations written on each part to learn about fractions, or bake with your pupils! Kinesthetic learners can also benefit from math puzzles such as KenKen, Magic Squares, and tangram puzzles.
Focus on Your Students
It’s easy to get caught up in getting through the year’s curriculum – after all, isn’t that what children need to learn the most? However, switching to student-centered learning strategies can help you meet the requirements of all of your students.
Student-centered learning includes students making decisions about their studies, enables them to find connections between topics, and helps them develop a growth mindset. The following are some examples of student-centered techniques:
- Math and other subjects are combined in interdisciplinary learning.
- Academic aims and community involvement are combined in service-learning initiatives.
- Regular formative evaluation and pre-teaching allow for personalized learning.
- Student-led conferences in which students provide feedback and make decisions regarding their learning
Use Interacting Questions
Word problems are an excellent method to tie your lesson ideas to your students’ interests. Send out a quick poll or ask students about their favorite novels, TV series, or video games if you’re not sure what they prefer.
A joyful and cheerful environment creates a foundation for academic and personal achievement, regardless of what children are learning. To make math fun in your classroom, don’t be afraid to mix it up and try a few different ways. Find out which one your pupils like best, and then use it to keep them interested in math class.
