Making math fun? I know, I know. That’s not possible, right? Well, over the years of working with middle school kids, I have picked up a few ideas that are worth sharing. Even though these are targeted toward that age group, modify them for what you need!
Math Activity #1: “Multiplication Slap-jack”
First, take out any jokers or extra cards in a standard deck.
For example, on this hand, a 9 and an 8 were turned over. So the first person to say “72” gets to keep those 2 cards. Put them at the bottom of your pile and keep flipping!
So, in this example, the problem would be 11 x 6, or 66.
This game is a great way to help a kid memorize their multiplications facts, without just doing flashcards!
Math Activity #2: Adding Integers with “zero pairs”
The first thing you need to help a kid understand is that one positive number cancels out one negative number. You can explain this in a variety of ways: if I earn $1 and spend $1, I’m left with $0; if I have 1 apple, then eat 1 apple, I’m left with 0 apples; etc. After explaining this, I draw my kids a picture of 1 positive sign and 1 negative sign – this is called a “zero pair.” When I have 1 positive matched up with 1 negative, together they are called a “zero pair” because they add up to zero, or cancel each other out. Once your kids understand what a “zero pair” is, you can move on to actual addition problems.
Here’s an example of an addition problem and how to teach it to your kids:
Then, look for any zero pairs. If there are zero pairs (in this problem there are 6) cancel them out. After you have canceled out any zero pairs, count what’s left. Whatever remains is your answer. So, in this problem there are 2 positive signs left – the answer is 2!
A couple of tips to watch out for:
Math Activity #3: The Internet, of course!
You may be surprised, but the internet is full of math games and activities that your kids will love to play! All of the websites below have some of those activities that will help sharpen your kids math skills while they’re having fun! Check ’em out!
www.gamequarium.com/math
www.aaamath.com
www.mathplayground.com
www.coolmath.com
www.coolmath4kids.com
www.funbrain.com
www.coolmath-games.com
www.aplusmath.com
www.math.com
www.themathgames.com
Good luck with all your math adventures!
How cool! My daughters love games, especially card games. Now I have a cool card game to show them. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Nice, Rach! I never realized you were so math-y! Good to see you more in the blogging world! 😉
Woo hoo! I needed this lesson! I understand now….thanks Rach!
As a complete math failure, I admire you.
I’m sure I’ll be pulling up this post in a few years!
Thanks, Rachel!
Hey, I know you!! How funny–I found this blog through my high school friend’s blog and I’ve been reading it ever since. I had no idea Jessica was your sister! I was so surprised to see you on here. We’re all connected somehow, aren’t we. I “lurk” on your blog, too. That baby’s a cutie! Hope we see you soon, but probably won’t until the next Valantine reunion.
Cool blog, by the way!
My oldest is in 1st grade, but I do need to remember how simple you put it!
I LOVE MATH!! You helped me think outside the box for some fun new ideas for my kiddos. THANK YOU!!
I wish you were my math teacher back in middle school! Great ideas!