How to Make Maths Fun

As a Mathematics teacher, I spend a lot of my time thinking about how to make the subject fun and engaging for my students. This requires time, preparation, and effort.

It’s fairly common knowledge that a lot of students don’t have the best relationship with Mathematics. This anxiety, which affects students around the globe, is caused by frustration at misunderstandings and mistakes. It is important that not only is students’ struggle recognized but that it is reframed as a success. By applying positive reinforcement, praise, and encouragement, we establish an environment that boosts students’ confidence.  

There are many ways in which we can help students by making the subject fun and engaging. Below are just some of my many methods to shift the focus of Mathematics away from pointless repetition of calculations to meaningful discussions. It’s important to note that this list isn’t just aimed at teachers and educators – parents can use many of these at home:

Apply Mathematics to the Real World.

Many students believe Mathematics to be a series of complex calculations. They fail to see the beauty in the subject, and how the topics could actually affect them. For example, a typical lesson on percentages could include a discussion of the stock market, and how retirement plans use the compounding effects of interest paid over many years. A lesson on probability with me will probably include a discussion about why the casinos will always win, even when you win! Another personal favourite is a discussion about fractals and patterns occurring in nature!

Integrating Technology

There are a lot of absolutely incredible websites on the web that can be used to support students learning. From free interactive games like Kahoot and Quizzizz (the younger students love these) through to Desmos, Autograph, and Diagnostic Questions, these tools can help make the learning fun, but at the same time allow you to identify weaknesses and misconceptions quickly. Some of my favourite activities are the graph activities on Desmos, where students have to play a form of “Guess Who” with their peers.

See my blog post for more ideas and examples on how to use technology to help improve student’s education.

Make a game of it!

The number of games that can be changed into learning activities in Mathematics is incredible. A couple of my favourites include battleships to teach coordinates, monopoly to teach probability or scavenger hunts. There are also excellent resources on Resourceaholic and Mathsbox for these. In addition, playing board games at home can teach students a valuable lesson in probability, game theory, logic, and reasoning!

Working with Me

Math anxiety often stems from gaps in knowledge, and dry instructions, leaving students bored and lost! Working with me will provide bespoke instruction to your students, and I will quickly identify individual strengths and weaknesses.

Even whilst away from school during the summer holidays, it’s crucial that learning continues. One recent study from Harvard estimated that students lose approximately 2.6 months of learning in Mathematics over the summer months. Working with a tutor will ensure continuous learning since an average of 2-3 hours of learning a week is sufficient to prevent the loss of Math skills.

Start Early

The saying “practice makes perfect” is very applicable when we consider how students learn and enjoy Math. I tell all my younger students that they should be practicing their times tables and number bonds every day. I attribute a lot of my Mathematical skills to my mother, who endlessly quizzed me on these on the journey to school every day. You can also practice patterns, sequences, ordering, sorting, and comparing items, even with a toddler.

The earlier your child starts, the more they practice and the better they become.

Use Money

Learning about money is a vital tool for life success. There are many simple ways for you to start teaching your child about finances. This in turn will increase their confidence in and understanding of Mathematics. You should talk to your child about budgeting and help them save their pocket money regularly for a larger purchase. In doing so, they can calculate how long it will take them to save, and what percentage they have already saved. Older children can apply this to real-life situations. Going to the supermarket? Ask them which breakfast cereal is the best value for money!

In Closing

It is vital that students enjoy Mathematics. We all know how important it is for success in life, yet so often parents don’t know how to relate to the subject and make it interesting. By hiring me as a tutor, I can do this for you! I'm passionate about Maths and highly experienced in helping students enjoy learning!

As Dr. Arthur Bejamin says:

“Mathematics is not just solving for x, it’s also figuring out y”