“Numbers are the worst!” Say it with me now: “Mathematics is too hard.” As in, “When am I ever going to use this in real life?” Many educators feel like they’ve heard similar arguments over and over again in the classroom. The good news is that if you put in the effort to figure out how to make math interesting for kids, you will likely notice an uptick in both their arithmetic skills and their level of engagement in class.
Thinking beyond the box can help you uncover new methods to make math interesting and engaging for students. Here are four of our helpful hints, to get your students excited about arithmetic.
Suggestions for engaging and enjoyable mathematical pursuits
It’s not just what you teach that matters, but how you teach it. The following are four suggestions for making mathematical instruction more engaging with join.99math.
Create some interactive exercises
When you were a kid, your only options for learning arithmetic were probably classroom instruction and worksheets. These days, however, there are many more creative options available. Students should get up and walk around while doing arithmetic, use manipulatives, and play math games (some of our faves are mentioned below).
Having students use candies or other manipulatives to count or split increases the likelihood that they will pay attention and retain the material being taught.
While worksheets and flashcards have their place in a math classroom, interactive lessons are the best way to introduce students to new concepts and spark their interest in learning.
Second, reform your math curriculum
In a math lesson, not all students feel confident enough to ask questions. Students that are more extroverted could benefit from learning in a group setting. Having multiple approaches to teaching a subject (especially one as challenging as mathematics) can make a big difference for your students.
Make use of discussions, small-group work, worksheets, flashcards, and hands-on activities when instructing math. And provide opportunities for mathematical testing whenever available.
Even if standardized testing isn’t the greatest way for kids to learn, classroom activities like games and activities that build self-esteem can improve test scores.
Don’t stop doing math when class is over
Providing students with a reason to do arithmetic will go a long way toward making the subject more engaging. Don’t just talk about arithmetic when talking about science or history or even English.
Challenge your young learners to calculate the elapsed time since the American Revolutionary War. Create word problems that relate to the text your class is currently studying. It’s important to speculate on potential outcomes before carrying out a scientific experiment.
Organizing your classes will provide your students a better image of math’s relevance in their lives. Students will gain an appreciation for mathematics even if they have no interest in pursuing a career in the field. You can get your kids to practice math without them even realizing it if you pair it with a topic they’re already interested in.
Promote inquiry
Many educators worry about how to make math engaging for their students. However, if you pay attention and ask your kids questions, they may turn it into a joyful experience for the whole family.
Your children may be curious about the speed at which they would need to travel in order to reach the Moon and return by the end of recess. Don’t avoid the answer just because it’s complicated. Instead, you should utilize it as a springboard to introduce grade-appropriate mathematical concepts and procedures.
Conclusion
In math class, the best way to learn and have fun is to ask smart questions from 99math. Assure them that no inquiry is too simple to be answered. You might want to set up a box where children can put their weird math questions and the class as a whole can answer them during recess.