How to Make Math Easy

Make math a fun subject.

For many children, math can be a tricky subject. Teachers can help students succeed in what might be their weakest area by trying different activities to make math fun and relevant to their lives. Showing the practical uses of math can keep it from becoming a dreaded subject for students in all grade levels, and breaking down math to its basic elements will help it become a more approachable course of study.

Instructions

1. 

   Candy is a sweet incentive.

   Begin with the basics. Addition and subtraction are first learned in early elementary grades. If completing problems in a workbook doesn't get your class engaged, try using real-life items to demonstrate math problems. One effective technique to use is individually wrapped candies; the children can use the candy as a guide. Use simple math problems, such as 10--3. Put 10 candies on a desk, and instruct the child to remove three and then count the remaining candies. At the end of class, give each child one piece of candy as a reward.

2. 

   Two halves equal one whole.

   Upper-grade students need to learn more advanced math skills, such as division and fractions. Show students how these skills are used in everyday life. For a smaller demonstration, use a piece of fruit to show fractions (for example, two halves of an apple equal one whole). To show how to divide a big number, use the students in your class. If you divide 20 students into four groups, you end up with five in each group.

3. 

   Remembering equations takes time.

   Teach multiplication tables one number at a time, beginning with one and going all the way up to 12. Many children learn their multiplication tables by memorization, so give your class several days to let each number set in. Don't tackle more than two numbers each week. At this rate, your class can learn the entire times table within six weeks.

4. 

   X is a letter and a number.

   Students will take several courses in algebra between junior high and high school. This subject is difficult for many, particularly because by this time, children are used to working with numbers and must now factor in the elusive X and Y. Algebra is complicated and will take time to learn, even for advanced students. Use resources, such as onlinemathlearning.com, where students can play simple video games that teach them simple equations.

Tips & Warnings

• Some kids don't feel the push to learn math because they don't understand what it has to do with them and their career goals. Hold a mini-seminar on several careers that require a strong handle on mathematics to show children what they are working toward. Scientists, doctors and engineers must all be proficient in math.

References

• Math Plus One: Why Is Math Crucial to Your Kids' Future?
• Online Math Learning.Com: Algebra Math Games
• Factivation: Multiplication