Resources, Ideas, Inspiration
Getting Students Excited About Math
Creating excitement around math can be an uphill battle. But it’s one you and your students can win!
Although math can be one of the most challenging subjects to teach and learn, it also can be one of the most rewarding. Finding the right mix of fun and learning can bring a lot of excitement to the classroom.
Find ways for your students to work together. Kids in elementary and middle school crave peer interaction. So don’t fight it — provide it!
Most importantly - be sure to celebrate all the wins! It is easy to get bogged down with instruction and testing. For some students, even the smallest accomplishments are worth celebrating. And these rewarding moments will keep your students motivated and pushing forward.
More Great Ideas to Use This Year
Prodigy Math
It's free, its math, and students obsess over it. Be strategic when introducing it Use it for math, use it as a reward, or allow it only during free time. Any option you choose, students will love learning math through Prodigy.
Try CGI with
Word Problems
This has proven to be one of the best ways to teach math word problems.
How Can You Use Cards in Math Class?
Try a classic game of Math WAR!
K-2 Numbers
3-5 Fractions
6-8 Exponents
Math Strategies Help Students Follow a Plan When Faced with a Problem.
Unlike other subjects, math builds on itself. Students need a strong understanding of previous materials to successfully move forward. This is also what can make math instruction so challenging.
Students need to do more than memorize formulas or drill times tables in order to be successful in math class. They need to develop a full understanding of what their math lessons mean, and how they translate into the real world. To reach that level of understanding, you need a variety of teaching strategies.
Conceptual understanding doesn’t just happen at the whiteboard, but it can be achieved by incorporating fun math activities into your lessons (see above), including
Hands-on practice
Collaborative projects
A fun math video (Try Math Antics on YouTube)
Gamified or game-based learning
Students need to be engaged in math class and be excited when they hear the word "Math." Repetition and homework are important, but providing students with a strategy is just as equally important.
K-8 Resources for October
