Resources, Ideas, Inspiration
Top 10 Things to Do in Math Class This September:
Math About Me: Start the year by incorporating math into personal introductions. Have students share fun math facts about themselves, such as their favorite number, a math-related hobby, or a math-related goal for the year.
Math Icebreakers: Engage students with math-themed icebreaker activities. Use puzzles, riddles, and brainteasers that encourage collaboration and critical thinking, setting a dynamic and interactive tone for the class.
Math Goals Setting: Guide students in setting achievable math goals for the year. Discuss their aspirations and areas they want to improve, helping them take ownership of their mathematical growth.
Number Sense Exploration: Revisit number sense concepts, such as place value, number patterns, and rounding. Engage students in hands-on activities that reinforce their understanding of numbers and their relationships.
Math Journaling: Introduce math journals where students can document their thought processes, problem-solving strategies, and reflections on mathematical concepts. This practice encourages metacognition and deepens their understanding.
Math Puzzles and Challenges: Introduce math puzzles, logic problems, and challenges that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Encourage students to work individually or in groups to tackle these engaging brain teasers.
Math Classroom Norms: Collaboratively establish norms for mathematical discussions, group work, and problem-solving. Foster a supportive and respectful environment where students feel comfortable sharing ideas and asking questions.
Math Investigation Kickoff: Begin the year with a math investigation or project that encourages exploration and inquiry. Choose a real-world problem that students can investigate using mathematical concepts.
Math Games Day: Dedicate a class period to math games that reinforce skills while fostering a fun and competitive atmosphere. Include games that cover a range of topics, from basic operations to strategic thinking.
Math Tool Introduction: Familiarize students with math tools they'll use throughout the year, such as calculators, protractors, rulers, and interactive math software. Teach them how to use these tools effectively and responsibly.
In September, set the stage for a year of mathematical exploration, curiosity, and growth. These activities will not only engage your students but also promote a positive attitude toward math and lay the groundwork for a successful and enjoyable math learning journey.
More Great Ideas to Use This Year
BuzzMath
When you are looking for a site that goes beyond questions and answers, look no further. BuzzMath uses visuals and online manipulatives as a way for students to understand how to solve problems correctly.
Spiral Review
Spiral review is the idea that, after introducing and teaching a foundational concept or skill, students continue to practice it regularly throughout the school year in order to maintain what they have learned. Find days of the week or times of the day to incorporate a spiral review to allow students to remember vital topics.
Number Stories with Questions
Aimed at ages 3-10, this is the best way to incorporate reading with math. The purpose of this site is to make learning about math as routine as a bedtime story. It begins with a short, fun set-up story, followed by three math problems at three levels of challenge.
Number Talks
What is a Number Talk?
A number talk is a short discussion of a math computation problem. Students take turns sharing their solution to the problem and what strategy they used to get that solution.
Their work is done mentally, however, without paper, a pencil, or a calculator.
Number talks can be used to explore any operation-addition, subtraction, multiplication or division-and can involve whole numbers, decimals, or fractions.
How Number Talks Deepen Understanding
So why is a simple 10-minute conversation such a powerful tool in the math classroom? Here are a few reasons these can benefit students:
Without paper and pencil, students are forced to think of other ways of solving problems. This might involve decomposing numbers, using place value, etc. This will deepen their number sense as they become more fluent and flexible with numbers and operations
They provide all students the opportunity to participate at their own ability level. Advanced students will come up with advanced or multiple strategies while struggling learners can begin with less efficient, but still effective strategies.
They help kids to understand operations conceptually without relying on gimmicks, memorization, or formal algorithm.
K-8 Math Resources for September
