You can do fun with math with your students. Here are 30 different math activities for preschool, elementary, and middle school.
On of my very best students was deciding to go into a field that had nothing to do with physics, science, or math. It was at least the third time in three years this had happened. My heart sank toward my stomach.
What disappointed me most wasn't that these bright students were throwing away stable economic futures. It wasn't that the world is full of problems, that these passionate young people might have been able to help solve, although that was also true. It was more personal than that.
As I talked to my students it quickly became obvious that the reason they didn't think physics is fun is because it's a math based subject. They enjoyed experimenting, but "doing the work" of problem solving wasn't their idea of a good time.
Writing, on the other hand, is a leisure activity. We express ourselves through a journal or blog. Math is seen as a chore, or worse, the domain of geeks and geniuses.
If you had a child who didn't think reading was fun, would you accept that "he's just not a reader"? Of course not! You'd read to him. You'd find different books that interest him. You'd try a new method. But, what if you have a student who doesn't think math is fun?
Did you know that "mathematician" actually makes the list of best careers? It's true. It comes in at number twenty on the US News list of best jobs. Keep in mind these are also the fields where people are most needed. Most of the best careers are science based, and how far will you get in those science based careers without math?
When you allow a child to think that they "don't like math" you are putting him on a path that leads away from the best jobs of the future.
Kids need to experience math in a format other than worksheet. They need a taste of what doing math just for fun feels like. Unfortunately, developing good activities can take time. That's why these fun math ideas exist. They're doable for anyone, and the explanations are included.
This list of fun math ideas is organized by age and type. Scroll down to get ideas for elementary students.
On of my very best students was deciding to go into a field that had nothing to do with physics, science, or math. It was at least the third time in three years this had happened. My heart sank toward my stomach.
Jingles? I asked.
You know, like in the car advertisements.
What disappointed me most wasn't that these bright students were throwing away stable economic futures. It wasn't that the world is full of problems, that these passionate young people might have been able to help solve, although that was also true. It was more personal than that.
Why would you want to write jingles?!
Because it's fun.How had I failed to to help them see that physics is fun?
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| She'd rather write jingles about cars? |
Why isn't math fun?
If you had a child who didn't think reading was fun, would you accept that "he's just not a reader"? Of course not! You'd read to him. You'd find different books that interest him. You'd try a new method. But, what if you have a student who doesn't think math is fun?
Why math matters
When you allow a child to think that they "don't like math" you are putting him on a path that leads away from the best jobs of the future.
Fun math is the solution
This list of fun math ideas is organized by age and type. Scroll down to get ideas for elementary students.
Fun preschool math
Math through play
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| Blocks are a great math tool! |
Playing with DUPLOs
Geometry through play
Playing with Playdough
How to count past ten (measuring tape)
Math crafts for preschool
Bead necklaces
Flag craft for preschool
Beads and algebra
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| Banana counting rhyme |
Preschool math work
Preschool magnetic math practice
Toddler counting practice -egg cartons
Math through literature
Magic Squares
Learning to count with a Jamaican centipede rhyme
How to teach counting with a Jamaican banana rhyme
Elementary math activities
Math Crafts
Flag craft for elementaryPaper snow flake
Pine cone multiplication
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| Multiplication |
Christmas subtraction ornament
Beaded snowflake addition and subtraction
Hands on math
Equation writing
Decomposing tens
Algebra with leaves
Multiplication with leaves
Math Games
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| Chaos theory |
Christmas tree addition equation puzzle
Money Changing game
Math for fun
Binary abacus
Fun size statistics
Cool Minecraft Engineering
Looking for more fun math?
If you found this list helpful, you'll want to sign up for the Thriving STEM monthly newsletter where I share all the new and seasonally relevant ideas for teaching math. It's also organized by grade, so you can find exactly what your students will enjoy.Sign up for the Thriving STEM newsletter now.
After you've signed up for the Thriving STEM newsletter, you might also want to check out this list of math activities by Erica at What Do We Do All Day?
Our students can learn to enjoy doing math just as much as writing jingles. It may take a little extra effort, but I think if you try it, you and and your students will agree that math is fun.
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I can't wait to hear what you have to say! Thanks for sharing.