If you can engage students in the math that they're learning, they are more likely to learn it and retain it. Finding a way to actually engage them, however, can sometimes prove difficult, especially if they already have a distaste for math or have decided they are not a "math person." There are many ways to try and engage reluctant math learners, but one way that is effective as well as practical is to make math relevant. Use the topics, hobbies Keep Reading...
“We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt!” Fall Exploration Activity
I can't believe it is already October! It seems like Fall came in with a bang this year, and we were suddenly facing cooler temps and beautiful Fall foliage. But I'm ok with that! The kids and I are having so much fun getting outside and exploring now that it's not so hot (when it's not pouring down rain, that is)! :) I recently came across the book, We're Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger and knew right away we would have to go explore Keep Reading...
FREE Pigs Will Be Pigs Money Lessons!
There may not be any math topic that is more relevant to our everyday life than that of money. It's essential that we teach our kids to add and subtract money, to use it wisely and understand how to handle their money! The book Pigs Will Be Pigs by Amy Axelrod is an excellent introduction to money for kids and helps them understand not only how to add money, but also to realize that it is finite. These Pigs will Be Pigs money lessons are intended Keep Reading...
Summer Math Camp Week 6: Measurement!
Get ready to explore measurement by getting outside to measure nature! Week 6 of our Summer Math Camp is all about measuring and graphing skills. Find more ideas below. *Please Note: This post contains affiliate links that support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure here.* I'm excited to share the LAST week of our third grade Summer Math Camp with you all! It has been a great and fun Summer with some sweet girls, and I think we Keep Reading...
Summer Math Camp Week 5: Time and Elapsed Time
Welcome to week 5 of Summer Math Camp here at Math Geek Mama! This week we worked on time problems! Telling time, adding and subtracting time, and figuring out elapsed time! It was so fun! If you've missed the rest of this series, check out each week so far {there are FREE resources each week!}: Week 1: Operations with Large Numbers-Comparing, Rounding, Adding and Subtracting Week 2: Exploring the Meaning of Multiplication and Solving Keep Reading...
Summer Math Camp: All About Money!
I'm so excited to bring you the next part in my Summer Math Camp series! This week we worked on all things money: counting coins, adding money, making change, and even considered fractions of a dollar! If you've missed the rest of this series so far, we started with operations with large numbers, then worked on understanding multiplication in week 2, then discussed fractions and equivalent fractions in week 3! Be sure to check out those as Keep Reading...
Counting Money Puzzles {FREE!}
Want to make sure your kids can count and add money? Grab this free set of counting money puzzles for a quick review, math center or early finisher game. One of the most important real life math skills kids learn is how to count and handle money. That's why I was so excited to share this fun resource! These counting money puzzles help kids work on adding money, recognizing the correct format for denoting money, as well as writing out numbers Keep Reading...
Exploring Math and Science in Your Own Backyard
I often share fun and engaging math stories that can be used to teach and explore all kinds of math topics, but the truth is, you can weave math learning into virtually any book you read with your kids! {Click to tweet!} *Please Note: This post contains affiliate links that support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure here.* As an example, today I want to share a couple of new-to-us books that I (and my kids!) absolutely ADORE, Keep Reading...
Taking Math Outside: Shape Scavenger Hunt
So we are wrapping up the school year here at our house, and since motivation is at an all time low (can any of you relate!?), we've been using this time to review some of the math topics from the year by taking it outside for some hands-on math FUN! First up: shape review! We spent a couple of minutes reviewing various shapes and talking about why we learn about shapes and how we use them in real life. Then, I explained how our scavenger hunt Keep Reading...
Let’s Get Cooking! {Math Fun in the Kitchen}
One of the best ways to engage reluctant math learners is to make math fun and relevant. We use math every single day, but it's not always clear or obvious to our kids! One way that I use math all the time (usually without even thinking about it) is in the kitchen. Measuring correctly, converting measures, doubling a recipe for the freezer-these are all important ways to apply math in our everyday life and a very easy way to include my kids and Keep Reading...
