Math is one of the most-fated subjects among the students. But, why do they hate math? The reason is, it involves a lot of thinking. There are so many calculations, and they have to remember a list of formulas. And, many of the students find it boring!
This creates a challenge for the teachers, especially if they are looking for effective strategies to get their kids excited to learn Math. If you are also struggling with the same, here are five ways that can help you to arouse your students’ curiosity and make them love math.
Help Your Students To Develop A Growth Mindset
The first step to helping your students to love math is to make them realize that they can get better at it. Many of the students just keep on believing that they are so bad at math. And, with such type of attitude, they will never come around loving it.
Teach them to have a positive mindset. They may not be able to solve a new math question yet, however by trying constantly, they will be successful. And, don’t forget to celebrate their successes. It will help to develop their confidence and positive attitude towards learning math.
Start Your Class With Concrete Examples
Mathematics is all about abstraction. For centuries, mathematicians have thought about real world problems, and come with some practical ways to solve them. They generalize the process and present the solutions using algebraic formulas.
So, if your students don’t know about the practical problems, they can’t be expected to understand the abstractions easily. Therefore, instead of starting a topic with a formula, use concrete examples.
Take the example of Watermelon. You can use a spherical shaped watermelon balls to teach the students how to calculate the volume of a sphere. Further, when it comes to explaining speed, velocity, distance, acceleration, etc. outdoor activities can help. Such real-world examples can help them to understand the concept better.
Include Fun Math Games As A Part Of Teaching
It is one of the best ways to help your students love math. There are so many fun math games that can be included in the curriculum for teachers. Some of the examples are:
Concentration Game
Write the math problem on one card and its answer on another. Suppose you have 6x5 on one card, and the another card have 30. Similarly, you can write addition, subtraction or division problems on the cards. After you have prepared the cards, ask your students to find each answer for a correct match. You can use color codes to distinguish the questions and the answers.
Math Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are fun! One clue leads to the other and there is a prize at the end. For this, make the math problems the clues. It will make the children to think about the problems and give accurate answers. You can divide them into teams for a friendly competition.
Sudoku Puzzles
Sudoku is a great way to practice math. You can easily find puzzles, books, and samples online. It will help the student to develop their concentration towards solving a problem.
Let The Students Practice At Their Own Pace
If you give them direct instruction to solve a problem, they may find it boring. Moreover, it’s overwhelming if you try helping all the students during the independent practice. Some students will finish the work quickly, while others may not be able to do it independently and need your help.
So, you can try guided math class. Introduce your students to the concept with a quick lesson. After that, allow them to practice the skills at their own pace. This way you can work with your struggling students, address their needs and help them learn math.
You Can Use Technology To Engage The Students
Technology can be a great motivator for the students. There are many good websites for practicing math skills. From online math games, skills review to facts practice, you can find something for every student in your class.
These are just a handful of the ways that can help to unlock your students’ love for math. Include some fun in your teaching curriculum and your students will start loving math!
