Motivating students to master math is a challenge for every teacher. These tips help create a classroom where students look forward to math.
Start with a smile
Open with a joke, riddle or puzzle. Laughter reduces stress and gets students ready to learn.
Go from concrete to abstract
Let students handle objects first, then draw pictures, and only then write symbols.
Learn by doing
Use Math Lab stations, games and activities so students discover rules for themselves.
Connect to real life
Use shopping, cooking, sports and travel examples so math feels useful.
Value mistakes
Treat errors as a step in learning. Ask "How did you get that?" before correcting.
Encourage group work
Small groups and pairs help students explain ideas and learn from each other.
Practise a little every day
Short, regular practice builds speed and accuracy better than long, rare sessions.
Praise effort and progress
Notice and name what a student did well — it can stay with them for a lifetime.
If a child cannot learn in the way we teach, we must teach in a way the child can learn.