Top 10 Ways to Motivate Students to Learn Math

The beginning of the school year is time for fun, getting-to-know-you type activities.  I have several ideas posted HERE.  Students are always willing to share their favorite subjects, such as recess, P.E., art, etc. LOL  They are also willing to share their least favorite which is usually math - unfortunately!  It was actually always my favorite! Math is important!  A 2007 study published in the Journal of Development Psychology revealed that math skills at kindergarten is a stronger predictor of later school achievement than reading skills or the ability to pay attention. So how do we motivate students to learn math?

"The different branches of Arithmetic -- Ambition, Distraction, Uglification, and Derision." --The Mock Turtle, from Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Caroll

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Here are my Top 10 Ways to Help Students LOVE Math!

1. MODEL the LOVE.  Students are smart and PERCEPTIVE.  They can sense, and many times voice, which content areas are their teacher's favorites. Show excitement in math - it is contagious!

2. Make it REAL!  When students see a purpose for learning, interest goes way up!  My students were always most motivated by using the Sunday advertisements (print or online).  We used addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percents, units, ratios and more every week by shopping through ads.  In addition, encourage to share each week how math has impacted their daily lives!

3. SHOW it.  Use manipulatives (no matter what their age) and drawings to SHOW how math problems work!  SHOW what the division of fractions really is. SHOW how to determine the perimeter by walking around the school. SHOW, SHOW, SHOW!

Comparing Fractions

4. Play GAMES. Research shows that movement in the classroom increases achievement.  Students CAN move and learn at the same time - many times BETTER.

Top 20 Uses for Task Cards

5.  Build on their SCHEMA.  What experiences have the students had in the past?  What are their areas of interest?  Use these as examples in word problems. I once had a student with autism who loved Sponge Bob.  Appropriate or not, this was HIGH interest!  I actually watched some of the show each morning, so I could reference it to my student.  Once time on Sponge Bob, it was National Balloon Day, so I took him a balloon! LOL We did math problems about the cost of balloons, distribution (division) and probability of colors.  I have also been known to watch WWE (wrestling entertainment) just so I could reference it the next day.  How does this entertainment industry work.  How do the wrestlers in income? How much?  How about advertisers?  What are their costs? Etc.  Yes, if you get creative you can TIE anything to math.  Think about vacations, sports, art, music, etc.  They will all work!

6.  Provide parents with SUPPORT.  Many times the students are mimicking their parents' attitudes or fears about math.  Let's face it, some of the methods today are quite different than years ago.  Give the parents needed information.  Ensure that homework is for extra practice and not new learning.  Communicate with parents that homework is not their responsibility.  Help is always available for students the next day who are having trouble understanding.

7. ENGAGE. Let students engage in math...TEACH it.  

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin

8.  Allow them to experience SUCCESS.  Restructure learning so that students have maximum opportunity for success.  As educators, we are always engaging in higher learning for license renewal.  Think how motivated you would be if you were constantly not understanding the content and receive poor marks.  How long would YOU continue?

9. Assess math ANXIETY.  Yes, this is real.  Mention the word "math" to some people, and monitor their heart rate.  The thought of math can bring upon real physiological reactions.  Teach students relaxation skills and help them feel prepared.  Scaffold lessons and utilize anchor charts.  

Division Anchor Chart

10. CELEBRATE.  Acknowledge achievements and milestones.  Everyone likes a pat on the back!

What is your favorite subject?  How will you instill of love of math in your students?

~Shelly

Study Skills

Keep Calm and Do the Math

Keep Calm and Do Math

Back To School Healthy Breakfast Bars Recipe

In our house, we call these "Toby Bars."  They are actually a high protein breakfast bar recipe that my daughter obtained from a family for whom she babysits.  The family calls them "Toby Bars" to get their little one to eat them. :)  They are a version of Girl Power bars but with lots of modifications.

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Ingredients:  Oats (quick or old fashioned - I've used both), Walnuts, Flaxseed, Wheat Germ, Puffed Cereal (you know like Honey Smacks without the sugar and honey), Dried Fruit (any kinds), Peanut Butter, Brown Sugar, Honey and Vanilla

(Notice the jar of honey? It's from the local Amish stores :)

Note:  If you don't have flaxseed or wheat germ, leave them out and add few extra oats :)  This recipe is very forgiving!

Add all of the dry ingredients...

I used about 1/2 cup of dried mixed berries and 1/2 cup dried blueberries - because this is what hubby bought at the store. :o)

Stir all the dry ingredients.

Add the brown sugar, honey and peanut butter to your pan.

Stop, don't forget to spray a 9x13 pan before you melt the ingredients.  Once it is melted, you move somewhat quickly - but not as quickly as Rice Krispie bars.

Stir for a few minutes.

It doesn't take long to get bubbly.  Then you're done. Add the vanilla after you remove it from the heat.

Pour it over your dry mixture and stir.

This is what it will look like.

Pour it into your pan and spread out.

Pat it firmly.

I usually refrigerate for a little while, then cut into different sized bars in case someone isn't that hungry. (Oh, okay, I can't cut straight to save my life.)  I wrap mine in plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator.

Grab and go!

Recipe:

2 cups oats

1/2 cup chopped walnut 

(Yep, I used the leftover chopped walnuts from the meatless meatballs found HERE)

2 Tablespoons flaxseed

4 Tablespoons wheat germ

2 cups unsweetened puffed cereal

1 cup total dried fruits

1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky - add a little extra if using chunky)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup honey

1 teaspoon vanilla

Truth be told is that I absolutely love these bars.  However, I seem to have developed an intolerance for honey, syrup, invert sugars.  Not sure why, I just feel like I'm coming down with something but don't.  Anyone else experience that?

Anyway...What do YOU usually eat for breakfast?  

Leave a comment below!  

Owls Activities and Bulletin Board Ideas

There are so many ways to get to know your students as your start your new school year.  Did you see my blog post for free ideas?  Name Games and Icebreakers

While it is great having wonderful bulletin boards set up when your students return to school, I know students also love creating them!  When students create the bulletin boards, you will notice they READ them a lot more often!

I have three ideas for you today. (All found in my shop with 28% off today! Use code: BOOST)

For my first idea, the students share information about themselves by coloring and writing on these adorable owls! (They are only $1.50 in my shop!)

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The last two ideas are for an interactive bulletin board where students may write their advice for how to have a great school year.  The first one has a cupcake theme, and the second one has a fish/ocean theme.

This bulletin board can be completed as an end of the year activity 

or a beginning of the year activity.

Come Swim in the School of Success

Bulletin Board