How can mathematics be

more relatable and

interesting to elementary
school children?
By: Ashleigh Thoits

We asked the teachers to give us examples of some

math games & activities they use to make math
more interesting and relatable to their students
Teacher 1 (2nd grade): She listed several resources she uses for fun math
activities. She uses several books by Marilyn Burns; one is 50 Problem-Solving
Lessons and the other is Lessons for Algebraic Thinking. She also uses the
website khanacadamy.org to help students develop math concepts.
Teacher 2 (5th grade): For geometry shapes I use polygon shapes to have them
make designs on graph paper and assemble 3D shapes.
Teacher 3 (2nd grade): For fractions I use counters (2 sidedred, yellow) 1.
put out 12 red cookies (counters) 2. turn 6 of them over (yellow) 3. what
fraction of the cookies are yellow? OOOOOO OOOOOO Answer:
Teacher 4 (5th grade): I use dice games to help children learn math. For one
game students roll the dice and each die can be an addend for an addition
equation or a factor for a multiplication equation. For another game the
students roll two dice and one die value is the ones place, the other is the
tens place. They roll again and give value to each die. Add or subtract the 2
digit numbers (students must know to put the greater number first if theyre
subtracting).

BUT WHY???

We interviewed several
elementary school teachers
Question 1:
Do you feel that using games & activities is a good approach to help children learn math?
Answers:
Teacher #1 (2nd grade): Yes, learning while having fun is a very effective way to keep
students engaged.
Teacher #2 (5th grade): Yes it is good for reinforcing, conceptualizing and very beneficial
for kinesthetic learners.
Teacher #3 (2nd grade): Math games are a hands on concrete strategy to help students
understand the math concept.

Teacher #4 (5th grade): Most math games and activities include manipulative.
Manipulative are tactile and visual. Manipulative meet the needs of all learners. Students
tend to get excited about learning when there are games & activities involved.

Why Math Games?

When students are having fun and playing they are more
relaxed, which will help them learn math concepts as
well as increase their self confidence and the belief
that they are capable (Resek & Rupley, 1980).
Andy Isaacs, the director of the third edition of
Everyday Mathematics stated, Not only do games
engage students, they also present the opportunity to
present high level math concepts in a colorful and
simple way (Isaacs as cited in Cavanagh, 2006 p. 46).

 According to Johnson and Johnson (1991), cooperative

learning exists when students are working together to
achieve a specific shared goal.
Research supports the notion that students gain more
self confidence in their own math abilities while
working cooperatively, rather than working
independently in more competitive classroom
environment (Johnson, Johnson & Holubec, 1994).
Since student participation levels are higher while
playing games, retention of math concepts overtime is
also higher (Shaftel, Pass, & Schnabel, 2005).

Where Do I Find Math Games or

Activities?
The internet has many sites offering free math games,
activities and printouts. But beware as some may be
titled math games and have no real educational value!
Many teachers directed us to books written by Marilyn
Burns
Collaborate! Collaborate! Collaborate! with other
teachers!
If youre the creative type, Make up your own!