Adding games and other fun activities to a mathematics curriculum can awaken even the most lethargic math scholar inside every student. Physical activity helps young minds retain mathematical concepts. Presenting and practicing these lessons in a fun manner can make math class a more positive experience for kids and teachers.
Swat-It Multiplication
Write the answers to multiplication facts across the chalkboard, leaving room around each number. Divide the class into two teams, and have each team form a line facing the board. Tape a line on the floor a few feet away from the board. Tell the kids they cannot cross this line until the teacher announces a multiplication fact. Give the first person in each line a fly swatter and call out a problem. The first child to swat the correct answer scores a point for his team. If he gets it wrong, he goes to the back of the line, and the other team's player has a chance to guess. If she also guesses incorrectly, she goes to the end of her line and the teacher moves on to another problem and the next set of students. Continue playing until all children have had a chance to solve and swat the board.
Silent Ball Multiplication
Prepare for this activity by marking the hexagons on a soccer ball with the numbers zero through nine. Ask the kids to sit on top of their desks and remain silent, only speaking when it's their turn. Hand the ball to one student and tell him to multiply the two numbers his thumbs landed on and say the answer aloud. If he is correct, he passes the ball to another child, and she multiplies aloud the numbers her thumbs land upon. Play continues until all students are eliminated, either by answering wrong or by talking out of turn. Have the eliminated kids sit down at their desks.
Fraction Cards
Divide the class into small groups. Distribute index cards, markers and scissors to each group, asking students to write a different fraction on the bottom half of each card. Then they should draw a corresponding geometric representation of that fraction on the top half of the card. Using scissors, students cut each card in half using a different, irregular cut. Have the groups display the top part, and have another group try to match up the bottom parts. The irregular cuts will line up only if the answer is correct.
Conversation Heart Fractions
Give each student an individual-size package of conversation hearts or other small, colorful candies. Have the kids sort the candy by color, then write down the correct fraction that represents that number of candies. For example, a child with 20 conversation hearts, four of them yellow, would write "Yellow: 4/20." Repeat for all colors represented, then have kids compare their findings with the student next to them. Continue the activity by teaching about common denominators and adding fractions. Finally, allow the children to eat their candy.
0 comments:
Post a Comment