How to Make Math Fun for Kids?

Why is it that so many students struggle in math? Is it because they’ve never had a teacher who could break-down difficult concepts and make math more easy and interesting for them? Math fear can be tackled by teacher and students both with the help of using practical strategies. There are lots of creative ways to convert math learning into fun learning. Humor while teaching also plays an important role; it serves as good mnemonic that leads to retention of material. Therefore, a teacher must be aware of repertoire of techniques for coaching students.

Teaching active mathematics and its applicability 

Some students are able to grasp mathematical concepts just by using textbooks and sample problems, whereas there are students who need more than just book reading and classroom teaching. Active engagement strategies can be used for motivating struggling learners and to challenge advanced learners. Teachers must choose activities and learning strategies that not only make sense to the children but also aim at increasing student achievement. Such strategies also help in building classroom community.

Math fun games

Kids do love learning, but their first priority is play. But if you give them both at once, there is nothing like that. Teachers should encourage students to use math while playing. One should choose good games and activities that target on a very specific math skill focused on a particular area. Some of the recommended math games are – Sudoku, Flash card multiplication game, Math drill game etc. Dice and playing cards can be great tools for teaching addition, greater than/less than, multiplication, number sense, place value etc to students. Teachers must note just playing games isn't enough; the games must be followed up with the explanations of the underlying ideas, connections and patterns.

Make It Real

A teacher must use lots of real life examples to teach. Majorly big ‘turn off’ for kids about math is that they don’t see how it affects them. A method of inducting math in life could be by telling them to use math while shopping or playing.   For example, kids can bring decimal and percentage lessons in use while shopping. Small children can be taught by using instances of things that fascinate them. For example, simple addition and subtraction can be taught by a teacher by posing sample problem like this – “There were six cupcakes, three large and three small. One pair was iced in chocolate and decorated in sprinkles. Another pair had sprinkles but was iced in vanilla. The third pair had vanilla icing only. Out of these, Amy ate a pair iced in chocolate. Now, how many left?” It will not only be catchy for them but also will make them learn.

Using these strategies teachers will discover ways how math could be made fun and easy for students and how they can easily master them.

Teacher’s Day: Let’s Thank our Teachers!!

Teachers since time immemorial have had a special place in the society. They have the instinct to recognize and nurture talent in children. For children, especially small children, their favorite teacher is the perfect person on earth. When they grow older, they look up to their teachers as instructors, advisors, guides and even friends. Duly, a special day is kept to honor and admire educators of schools and colleges, which is called as Teacher’s Day. It is celebrated across India on 5th September every year with great passion and pride. This day gives you an opportunity to express your gratitude towards your teachers. It is truly said that teaching is the most humble profession of all.

Celebrations for teachers and students 

Teacher's day is the occasion that is looked forward by the teachers and students in the schools and colleges. It is the special day devoted to pay tribute to the hard work of teachers. As the part of the celebration varied events are organized in schools and colleges. Students dress up like their teachers and teach in the junior classes. Teachers are also entertained in a number of ways where special programs like dance, drama and music are organized mostly by the students.

Why Teacher’s Day?

Basically, this memorable day is devoted to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, one of the greatest teachers and scholar of our country. He was a well -known a diplomat, scholar and above all a teacher. He strongly believed in promoting education and further improvising it. One day his students approached requesting him to allow them to celebrate his birthday. But, instead Dr, Radhakrishnan told them that not to celebrate his birthday separately, rather it would be his privilege if September 5th is observed as Teacher's day. Then since 1962, 5th of September is celebrated as Teacher's Day. This day reflects his love and attachment to the profession of teaching.