Hey, teachers! I love teaching Math Operations! I feel like it is just where so many of our math skills can unite. We all know that math practice can sometimes be less than thrilling for students, but it doesn’t have to be that way! By making math practice fun and interactive, you can engage your students and help them develop a strong foundation in math.
Here are five exciting ways to practice math operations that are sure to get your students excited:
1. Scavenger Hunts
It seems like any time you add the word ‘hunt’ to something you just elevated it a bit more!
I love to get my kids up and moving with a scavenger hunt! I place the cards around the room and let them walk and solve the equations. Once they solve it, they “hunt” for that previous answer on the next card. And continue. I often let them work with a partner, so it’s a double bonus!
Scavenger hunts are a great way to get your students moving and thinking at the same time, and they’ll love the thrill of the hunt!
Click the image below to check out scavenger hunts to use in your classroom.
2. Work with Partners
Two heads are better than one, right? Don’t be afraid to let students work with a partner to complete a task. It can be more fun for students and it also provides them the opportunity to teach one another. I always find that my kiddos often have a different perspective and are great at teachers when given the opportunity.
It doesn’t have to be complicated or more work for you, either. Often I will just take a worksheet and fold it in half. Students will take turns completing the math problems on their side of the paper. They explain the process and their partner confirms if the answer is correct. Then they pass the paper to their partner and the process continues. We like to call it math tennis!
I love stepping back and listening the math conversations that happen. This activity is a win-win for everyone involved: your students will develop their math skills and build strong friendships in the process.
3. Get Digital
Let’s be real – kids love online games. And while I like to limit our screen time because, well…let’s be honest, kids often get enough, I also think there is a place for it in the classroom.
Websites like “Prodigy Math Game” and “Math Playground” offer a variety of math games that your students can play. These games are designed to be both fun and educational, so your students will be having a blast while also developing their math skills. Plus, many of these games offer rewards and badges for completing levels, which can motivate your students to keep practicing.
I am also a big fan of Boom Learning. I think it was one of my positive discoveries during Distance Learning. (I know, I know, we are trying to block that out!). If you are not familiar with Boom, they are digital task cards that you can assign students. There is a free option and various paid versions. One perk to the paid version is you can track student scores if you need to or assign different decks to students.
4. Let's Play Games
Bring out the board games, card games, and dice games! Once a students went home and told her mom, “Mrs. VanOosten really loves math games!” And it’s true! I do…kids don’t even realize they are learning. And don’t get me started on the social skills they are acquiring!
Adding or subtracting with a deck of cards or “Roll and Add” are both great options. Not only will they make math practice more enjoyable, but they’ll also create a positive classroom environment.
I’m always on the look out for games that disguise the learning. My class loves Skyjo and Sleeping Queens, which both have an addition or subtraction element to them!
5. Theme Days
Who doesn’t love a good theme day? Hosting a “Math Carnival” or “Math Olympics” can be a fun and exciting way to incorporate math into your classroom. Set up stations with math games, puzzles, and activities, and let your students show off their competitive side.
I know this sounds complicated. But it doesn’t have to be! You can use any themed worksheets you may already have, let the kids dress up, and play some music! Keep it simple!
Our favorite theme is coming up! Who doesn’t love a good basketball theme in March. We call it Math Madness! Kids dress up in their favorite sports attire. I bust out the classic Jock Jams music, and kids work through 4 quarters of basketball! For each quarter they earn puzzle piece. Once they earn all four pieces they put them together to create their picture and conquer the challenge.
It’s a great way for students to practice addition and subtraction with and without regrouping!
Click on the image below check out the Math Madness Challenge with Two-Digit Addition and Subtraction!
Click on the image below to continue to the March Mathness Activities!
