Many a mathematics teacher has been accused of "putting a child off" mathematics for life. In our current curriculum, every child has to offer Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy to attain a National Senior Certificate (Grade 12).
Pass requirements for mathematics have been increased for the Intermediate Phase. It has become critically important then to make sure that our children are taught not to fear the big mathematics monster that has been created in many a child's mind.
Mathematics instruction and classwork need to be presented in a non-threatening and fun way. Children learn best through doing and so hands-on concrete exercises will assist teachers in conveying new concepts more easily.
Teachers of mathematics need to constantly go back to basics when they present a new topic or concept. An experienced teacher will take exercises from Grade 1 right up to the Grade he or she is teaching as an introductory lesson. Learners then are made to feel confident from the outset. A few simple exercises for revision purposes will ensure that no child is left behind. Reviewing the building blocks will also enable teachers to fill in the gaps created by poor teaching in previous years.
Teachers who are privileged enough to have access to computers in the classroom will find that moving from hand work to keyboard work keeps children interested in the mathematics classroom. There are many wonderful free programs and online activities one can use. A teacher with a data projector and whiteboard can also make use of Powerpoint and video tutorials to maintain the learners' interest.
Time spent reviewing the basic building blocks is never time wasted. Graded online activities will ensure that students can work at their own pace and attain success in a specific area before moving on. Mathematics teachers would be well advised to browse the Internet for Mathematics games, quizzes and fun challenges to download for class activities.
Making mathematics fun is the best way to ensure that learners learn and want to learn. Providing mathematics games which can be played by one, two or more players will have children focusing on winning and minimize the possibility that they will feel threatened or exposed if they provide the wrong answer.
I have found one such product in my Internet searches that I really believe will work for mathematics teachers. This resource "Making Math More Fun - Math Games Package" comes in the form of down-loadable e-books. Teachers can then make as many copies of the pencil and paper worksheets and games they may need, dependent on class size. The games are graded in terms of difficulty and cover the basics and building blocks of mathematics in a fun and simple way.
"Making Math More Fun Printable Math Games"
Gives you 4 books jam packed full of kids math games and fun math activities to make math exciting and easy to learn.
Math Board Games - Printable Math Board Games
Math Print and Play Games Sheets - Printable Games Sheets for 2 Players
Math Card Games - Printable Math Card Games
and Math Games Ideas - Math Games for School or Home
Make mathematics fun again. Simply click on the link below and you could be using these wonderful resources within a few minutes.
Click Here!
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