Math Education

Matthew Lynch published in Math Education, Teachers

9 Mental Math Games and Tricks for Students and Teachers

Mental math enables students to grasp the fundamental concepts in math. It gives them confidence and freedom to do math without the help of paper, pencil, or manipulatives. After learning mental math techniques and tricks, students can do calculations very quickly.

In the initial stages, when students learn math, they need math manipulatives (like plastic counters or beans) to comprehend mathematical concepts. After learning the fundamentals, they can start doing mental math.

Games

Here are some games that are perfect for elementary school students. They can make mental math fun for them.

1. Baseball Math

You can divide them equally and form two teams. Then make a baseball diamond shape by arranging the desks in that form or draw it on the board. Say a sum for the 1st batter. The pupil should advance one base for every number sentence they give that is equal to that sum. Switch between the teams after every 3-4 batters so that everyone gets a chance to participate in the game.

2. Number of the Day

Every day you can write any number on the classroom board. Ask the pupils to provide math facts equal to that number. For instance, if you write the number 8, children may say 5 + 3, 4 + 4, 10 – 2, 6 + 2, or 18 – 10. You can encourage students of a higher age-group to give suggestions for division, multiplication, subtraction, and addition, as well.

3. Stand Up/Sit Down

Before giving the children mental math problems, ask them to stand or sit if the answer is more than or less than a particular number, respectively. For instance, they should stand if the solution is more than 20 and sit if it is less than that. Then say 25 – 5. You can call out some more math facts related to the same selected number or choose another number every time.

4. Groups

Allow the students in class K-2 to be active and move about while practicing counting skills and mental math with this game. You can tell them to form groups of 10 – 5 (students will form groups of 5 each), or 6 + 2 (they will form groups of 8 each), or more challenging math facts like 25 – 17 (they should form groups of 8 each).

5. Find the Numbers

You can write five numbers on your classroom board, for example, 13, 10, 6, 5, 2. Then make some statements and ask the students to find numbers matching with them.

For instance:

If you add these two numbers, you get 16 (10 + 6)

If you subtract these two numbers, you get 3 (13 – 10)

If you add these numbers, the total is 13 (2 + 5 + 6)

You can change the numbers on the board and make new statements to continue the game if needed.

Tricks

These mental math tricks can be helpful for the students.

1. Doubles

After students learn to add double numbers such as 2 + 2, 6 + 6, 8 + 8, they can use that for adding numbers that are similar to them quickly. For example, if they have to add 6 + 7, they can use their knowledge that 6 + 6 is 12 and add 1 to it to arrive at the answer, which is 13.

3. Compensation

The students can round up the numbers to calculate more easily. For example, to add 29 + 52, they can consider 29 as 30. So 30 + 52 = 82. They can subtract that extra 1 number and get the correct answer that is 81.

Similarly, students can use round numbers while doing subtractions. In the end, they can add the extra 1 number to get the answer.

4. Decomposition

It involves breaking down the numbers into tens and ones. For instance:

23 + 12 = (20 + 3) + (10 + 2) = (20 + 10) + (3 + 2).

So they can calculate 20 + 10 = 30 and 3 + 2 = 5, and get the answer 35.

4. Adding Up

This technique is useful for subtraction. If they have to subtract 36 from 87. First, they will add 4 to 36 and make it 40. Then they will count the tens and reach 80. By now, they will know that the difference between the two numbers is 44. They can add the remaining 7 to 44 and get the answer 51.

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Matthew Lynch published in Math Education

Activities For Comparing Fractions

Fractions are an essential part of mathematics for any child. Understanding fractions is crucial for solving problems related to measurements, division, and ratios. However, many children struggle with fractions. Comparing fractions can seem tricky, but in reality, it is easy with some fun and engaging activities.

Here is a list of 20 fraction comparison activities that will make fractions fun.

1. Fraction Hopscotch: Draw a hopscotch board, and instead of numbers, use fractions. Children must hop onto the fraction that is either smaller or larger.

2. Fraction Flashcards: Create a set of flashcards with different fractions on them. The children must sort the cards into two piles: one for fractions that are smaller than 1/2 and another for fractions that are larger than 1/2.

3. Fraction Race: Children race each other to find the larger fraction among two fractions given to them.

4. Fraction War: This is the classic card game war, but using fractions. It’s a great way to practice comparing fractions and identifying larger and smaller amounts.

5. Fraction Bingo: Create a bingo card with different fractions on them. Children must identify the correct fraction when it is called out.

6. Fraction Memory Game: This game is played like a classic memory game. Children must match up fractions with equivalent fractions or fractions that are larger or smaller.

7. Fraction Dominoes: Create a set of dominoes where each piece has a fraction. Children must match up the fractions based on size.

8. Fraction Pizza: Use a circular piece of paper as the base for the pizza. Children can put toppings on the pizza to represent fractions of the whole pizza.

9. Fraction Bars: Use a set of fraction bars, where children must identify the largest or smallest bar.

10. Fraction Charts: Provide a chart with different fractions. Children must sort and arrange the fractions in order of size.

11. Fraction Balancing: Provide children with different sets of fractions that add up to a whole. Children must balance the fractions on each side to be equal.

12. Fraction Painting: Have children paint a picture using fractions of different colors.

13. Fraction Story Problems: Provide children with different story problems and ask them to identify which fraction is larger or smaller in each scenario.

14. Fraction Jenga: Write fractions on each of the Jenga blocks. Children must identify which fraction is larger or smaller as they play the game.

15. Fraction Number Line: Using a number line, have children plot different fractions and compare their relative positions.

16. Fraction Tangram: Use a fraction tangram set, where children must identify fractions based on the pieces used.

17. Fraction Diagrams: Provide children with diagrams where they must identify fractions based on the shaded areas.

18. Fraction Patterns: Provide children with a pattern of fractions, where they must continue the pattern by identifying the next larger or smaller fraction.

19. Fraction Card Comparisons: Using a deck of cards, children must compare fractions and identify which card has a larger fraction.

20. Fraction Jeopardy: Create a Fractions Jeopardy game where children must identify and solve fraction problem scenarios.

These 20 engaging activities are sure to make fractions more fun and less intimidating for children. With these activities and games, children will become more confident in their ability to compare fractions, leading to improved understanding and greater mastery of this essential math concept.    

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Matthew Lynch published in Math Education

15 Delightful Decimal Activities

Decimals are an integral part of the mathematical concepts that every student needs to learn. They are used everywhere, from simple calculations in daily life to more complex mathematical applications. However, decimal concepts can be quite challenging for students to grasp. To make learning decimals more enjoyable and engaging, teachers can incorporate fun activities that will help students master the subject.

Here are 15 delightful decimal activities that can be used in classrooms:

1. Decimal Hunt: This activity involves hiding various decimal-related objects around the classroom and allowing students to find them. For example, you could hide a set of decimal cards, with each card containing a decimal number between 0 and 1.

2. Decimal Bingo: Bingo is a classic game that can be adapted for decimals. Teachers can create bingo cards with decimal numbers and call out decimal numbers for students to mark on their bingo cards.

3. Decimal War: In this game, students compete by drawing decimal cards from a deck and comparing the digits to determine the largest decimal number. The student with the highest decimal number wins the round.

4. Double Trouble: This game requires two dice, one with whole numbers ranging from 1-6 and the other with decimal numbers ranging from 0.1-0.6. Students roll both dice together and then multiply the numbers to get a decimal product.

5. Order Up: This activity requires a set of decimal cards, and students must arrange them in order from the smallest to the largest or vice versa. This activity can be done individually, in pairs, or as a whole class.

6. Fraction-Decimal Match: In this activity, students match fractions with decimals. For example, 0.25 and 1/4 can be matched, or 0.50 and 1/2 can be matched.

7. Decimal Jeopardy: This game requires a PowerPoint presentation with different decimal categories and questions. Students work in teams to choose a category, and then the teacher presents a question related to that category. Students earn points for correctly answering the questions.

8. Decimal Art: Students use decimal grids to create art by coloring in the grids according to decimal instructions.

9. Race to 1: In this game, students roll a dice, and then choose a decimal card. They add the number on the dice to the decimal number to get a new decimal. Students take turns rolling the dice and adding to their decimal until someone reaches 1.

10. Decimal Dance: This activity is a fun way to reinforce decimal concepts. The teacher calls out a decimal number, and students dance or move their bodies to represent the decimal.

11. Decimal Scavenger Hunt: Students search for different objects in the classroom or around the school and record the decimal values of each object.

12. Decimal Riddles: Teachers provide riddles with decimal answers, and students try to solve them. For example, “What is a decimal that is greater than 0.5 but less than 0.6?”

13. Decimal Pictionary: Students draw decimal numbers on the board, and their classmates try to guess the decimal number they drew.

14. Decimal Top Trumps: This game involves a set of decimal cards that have been assigned numerical values. Students play in pairs or small groups and must choose the best decimal card to win each round.

15. Decimal Word Problems: Teachers can create word problems that include decimals for students to solve. Word problems can relate to real-life situations, such as calculating grocery bills or calculating distance traveled in a car.

In conclusion, these delightful decimal activities make learning decimals more engaging and enjoyable for students. By incorporating these activities into math lessons, teachers can help their students master decimal concepts in a fun and interactive way. So, why not give these activities a try and make math class more exciting for everyone!   

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Matthew Lynch published in Math Education

Teaching Even and Odd Numbers

Learning math is difficult for a lot of students. As a matter of fact, it’s the subject that most K-12 students struggle with. To combat this, teachers need to come up with fun, common sense ways to engage students in the subject. Trust me, nothing makes students check out faster than being taught math by a boring uninspiring teacher.

Thankfully, there are lots of math teachers that are going above and beyond when it comes to math instruction. Mr. Math Blog is a math blog that publishes videos that teach every conceivable math skill to anyone who wants to learn them. What sets it apart from most math blogs is that it does so in a fun and engaging ways. Teachers can easily reproduce these lessons in their classes and as a result, improve student outcomes.

Below I have posted a YouTube of Mr. Math Blog teaching even and odd numbers, a skill that is usually learning in the second grade.

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Matthew Lynch published in Best of the Best Lists, Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech, Math Education

Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That I Would Use If I Were Still in the Classroom

Back in 2001, when I started as a teacher, the technology boom was in its nascent stage. I remember toting a large bag filled with papers home most nights and going to sleep drowning under a vast sea of student homework that needed grading. My classroom was even worse, cluttered with books, manipulatives, globes, maps, and learning stations that left little room for anything else. However, as I write this in 2018, things have changed dramatically. Today’s teachers have edtech in their corners.

Digital teaching and learning tools have streamlined education processes and provide learning experiences that stretch far beyond the materials that were available for me back in 2001. If you are a math teacher, you may be thinking that edtech doesn’t apply to you, especially if you believe that math cannot be taught using digital tools. Students don’t have to see each step or review every problem under the tutelage of a teacher. Tons of apps can help students learn and practice math, and while it helps to have a teacher nearby, it is not necessary. If I were still in the classroom today, I’d use these math apps, tools, and resources:

Marble Math– With Marble Math, children aged nine through twelve will learn mental math and solve math problems. With mazes, marbles, and math, your child can have hours of fun and become a math genius at the same time. There are puzzles and fun around each turn in the maze, so never be afraid to forge ahead. The app also allows you to go back to previous problems and redo them if needed. 

Khan Academy– Khan Academy has more than 40,000 interactive Common Core-aligned practice questions and above 10,000 videos and explanations in economics, history, math, and more. This is the best study app and tutoring app for students of all ages who are struggling in science and other subjects. You can easily bookmark your best content to “Your List,”  which can be used offline when you’re not connected to the Internet.

Thinkster Math: Thinkster Math is using virtual tutoring to help students understand why they went wrong and how to correct those mistakes. Not only does it help grades improve, but it also sharpens the logic process for students who struggle. This can make a significant long-term impact on their ability to perform well in math.

Montessori Numbers-Coupled with the Montessori Letter Sounds app, Montessori Numbers helps teach children the foundations of math. Three- to seven-year-old children can use this app to begin understanding numerology, numerals, numbers 0 through 100, quantifying, counting, and more. Children can play lots of activities and games that have multiple difficulty levels. 

Matific: Matific strives to help students improve their math skills using hands-on mini-games and a modular learning system. The goal is for students to internalize the basic concepts and move on to more challenging activities. It is designed to help open the door to scientific thinking along with making math more interesting.

Jump Numbers – This app helps young children work on their addition and multiplication skills using skip counting. The game is designed for kids aged 5 to 10. The learning process has a background story to add fun to the process. The game gets more challenging as players get to higher levels and complete more tasks.

Sushi Monster: This app uses lively cartoon characters and games to make learning math fun for children in middle school. It helps them gain proficiency in adding sums and multiplying numbers; progress is rewarded with stars and trophies.

Drive About: Number Neighborhood– Children explore this imaginary world that contains fun activities to help them develop their math skills. Activities include number identification and writing, counting, matching, and ordering. Suitable for children aged 5 and below.

Talking Calculator: This app enables children with sight impairments to use a calculator independently. It has big, bright colored buttons to help the children, and it talks to them, telling them what button their hand is hovering over. After they enter their calculations, the app announces the answer.

Did we miss any?

 

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Matthew Lynch published in Math Education, Parental Involvement, Parenting

Why Parent Number Talk is Critical to Early Learning

Number talk is the term used to describe the type of language and questioning used by adults to help young children acquire early math concepts. These short, daily exercises help children develop number sense, which is an intuitive understanding of numbers and mathematics.

Number talk is normally used in grade-level classrooms to help children understand number magnitude, the relationships between numbers, and how numbers can be modified by various operations. However, number talk is incredibly important for parents to utilize even before their children start school.

Number talk is critical to early learning

Most preschools don’t have children participating in number talk, and they especially don’t emphasize number talk. Reading is emphasized much more in the younger years. However, developing number sense is just as important as developing early reading skills. In preschool, most children learn how to count to ten. But this doesn’t involve number sense, just memorization. So it is often up to parents to initiate number talk with their children.

Researchers have identified nine types of number talk that parents can use with their children:

  1.       Counting
  2.       Cardinality (knowing the number of objects without directly counting)
  3.       Equivalence (understanding what makes things equal)
  4.       Nonequivalence (understanding what makes things unequal)
  5.       Number symbols (recognizing a number in written form)
  6.       Conventional nomatives (using numbers as titles, dates, labels, etc.)
  7.       Ordering
  8.       Calculation
  9.       Placeholding (place values such as ones, tens, hundreds, etc.)

Number sense can be developed through number talk in preschool years during regular play activities. When children are exposed to geometrical shapes during play with blocks and Legos, their number sense is being developed.

To use counting number talk, you may ask your child to count the number of Legos he has in his hand. To use nonequivalence number talk, you can ask your child if the three blocks you have and the five blocks he has are equal in amount.

Opportunities for number talk are also present where opportunities for counting are not. To use conventional nomatives in your number talk, you may ask your child, “What was your favorite part of Three Blind Mice?” If you want to use ordering number talk, you can ask him to order family members from shortest to tallest. Truly, there are opportunities for number talk at every corner.

Age-appropriate number talk

Number talk with your child won’t do much good if the number talk is not age appropriate. Number talk that is too simple or too complex for your child’s age will not help him develop foundational math skills.

Even infants can benefit from age appropriate number talk. A dad that plays One-two-three… peek-a-boo with his infant is actually utilizing counting number talk. However, an infant would not benefit from number talk that is too complex for his abilities, such as ordering number talk that would require him to order objects. Similarly, a six-year-old child will not benefit from simply counting the five objects in front of her.

You want your child to develop number sense and foundational math skills to help her succeed later in life. This can be done by using consistent, age appropriate, engaging number talk that can be interwoven in the activities of everyday life. Number talk isn’t simply a math lesson for your three-year-old. Instead, number talk is a playful, relationship-building technique that teaches your child to have an awareness of the math around her and a passion to learn more.

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