8 Easy, Everyday Ways To Make Math Fun & Interesting!

You can learn to enjoy math by following the same steps as you would for any other subject. It only takes three magic ingredients:

1. Motivating rewards, a sense of purpose and motivation.
2. It's important to find the "right" combination of math activities for each child.
3. Some of you may be thinking. We know what some of you are thinking.

It's easier to say than do, isn't it? Is math, right?

Absolutely. Jet ski is easier to learn than multiplication because you have a purpose, a motivation and rewards to work towards.

The good news is that it's possible to make math more enjoyable and engaging.

All learners can enjoy math

It is possible to learn anything, even if it seems intimidating. When learning anything intimidating or "do i have to?

The first step is to make it fun. To ensure the skills will stick, creativity is required.

Connect the new material with what your child already knows and likes.

It's a fact that we have learned over the years from teaching children how to code. At iD Tech we connect JavaScript to Minecraft, or algorithms to a fun cardgame.

Math isn't any different. There are a variety of ways you can make math more fun. Consider the interests, likes and dislikes of your students.

Here are some tips to get you started!

Next, you need to create a learning process that is based on those three magic ingredients: motivation, purpose and rewards. To make math fun and engaging, you need to consider these factors.

Math can be fun!

Why are you learning this? What is the purpose of learning something?

Many students get stuck here with math.

Children are more likely to learn when they feel that the material is relevant and can be applied to their lives. More "hands on" is better.

For math to be fun, start with something concrete and meaningful. Here are some ways you can do this:

1. Math "in the Wild"

Walking will help children see and recognize shapes and concepts.

There are mathematicians everywhere. You can also find math in other things, such as the shape of the wall or right angle.

2. Shop for delicious food

The food we eat is universally motivating, right? Choose something that is appealing to your child, make a budget for it, and head out to the grocery store. The math problems you'll find at King Soopers/Whole Foods are endless.

What is 20% off a $4.99 bag? What's the cost per product if you use a buy one-get one-free coupon and end up purchasing three boxes of $3.79 crackers? The impact of the knowledge they have gained can be seen in a supermarket.

3. Enjoy a roadtrip

Even in these modern times, a long road trip can make you feel as if you are on vacation. Next time you're getting ready to go on a road trip, try a fun math exercise.

What time should you leave your house to get to the destination you need by 2PM if it is 80 miles away? And what speed must you travel on average to make that happen? If you're stuck in traffic for 30 minutes, or need to turn back after driving 10 minutes due to forgetting your wallet, how does this change?

You could even turn it into a scavenger search! Instead of using a worksheet, use a detailed map. Your student will thank for it later!

The motivation comes next after you have defined the purpose. Let's now gamify.

The term "gamification" has become a popular one in recent years. In order to "gamify" mathematics, traditional methods of learning are transformed into games-like activities. The result? Gamification is a great way to motivate students.

Let's face it: lists can be boring and repetitive. Dullness is a major obstacle to learning. Students are also less likely to persevere when they see the practice as pointless.

In contrast, students are motivated to continue working if they can earn points, complete a level or work in a team. You can "gamify mathematics" in many different ways. Online tools are available to help you get going.

4. Play math brain games

Equations are a way to express numbers differently. Flash cards help with memory retention. Why not combine both?

You can find or create flashcards with the same value, but in a different way, like "5" versus "25", etc. You can play a game where kids have to match the cards.

5. Sports statistics: Get the facts

Sports are about scoring, whether it's on the field, court or in the gym. If you look deeper at individual and team performance, you'll find that there are a lot of numbers.

You can use baseball to explain fractions if your child is having trouble with them. Why is it that if a player has only one hit after four attempts, does this not equal 1/4?

Sports are an excellent area for mathematical exploration. From Moneyball analysis to fantasy football experiments, there is a wealth of material to be explored.

6. Embrace video games

Video games would not exist without math. This is important. It's worth a quick chat about the math that is found in videogames to spark your interest.

Make the connection with the games you love if your student is an avid gamer. Also, they might be able to set goals for the future. If they want to be a game developer, perhaps Epic Games is their dream.

Motivation to practice and work hard is much easier to find if you are aiming for something.

Developing high-level reasoning takes time, and mastery of the subject is not a straight path. Rewarding learning is essential.

Encouragement is not just about words. It's also about the positive effects of encouraging others. This encouragement is even more effective when paired with tangible incentives that are relevant to the content.

7. Prioritise saving

When kids reach a certain level of maturity, they are devoted to their allowance. Suddenly, they become the most helpful members of the family. It's funny how things work out.

Naturally, they're also eager to use that allowance. But, if that's true, then how do you get them to start saving?

It is an excellent way to encourage them to spend less and think about money differently by offering interest on their piggy bank if they keep a certain amount in it.

Stock market applications can be fascinating for older students.

8. Recipes are easy to follow

The greatest math application in our daily lives is baking cookies, right? Following a recipe, you are merely executing an algebraic equation.

If you want your child to learn multiplication, division, or even just have fun with the recipe, then consider cutting it in halves or doubling the yield.

Everybody wins if you turn your "classroom" in to an episode The Great British Baking Show.

We're all in it together

It's clear that 2020 will bring a lot of changes to the educational landscape. Distance learning is a new thing, there are more engaging activities after school, and students have fewer chances to socialize with their peers.

We at iD Tech are committed to helping children learn while having fun, even during challenging times. A great mentorship program or engaging after-school programs can help make math learning fun.

We know the qualities we look for in a great tutor and how one-on-one instruction can be individualized and fun. Margo, our Operations Manager and math de-mystifier, is a great math expert. View her first lesson on how to solve x equations.

iD Tech now offers private math tuition.

Visit our online courses. We can help your child learn math, whether they are math whizzes or just trying to catch up.