Making Math Fun - Alleviate a Struggling Student's Pain by Using Some Fun Games

There is no doubt about it, there are students who struggle with math. For some, it seems they are hardwired in such a way that learning math does not come easily. For many of these struggling math students they get the concepts they just cannot for the life of them remember the facts. For others, it takes a long time for the concept being taught to make any sense, so it is tough to learn. The pain or frustration found in both of these scenarios can be alleviated by providing some fun math games and activities that will provide specific reinforcement while building in the extra time they need. All this without the negative stigma of,"You are not good enough, you have to do more work," and builds the idea that making math fun is possible.

We are not talking about no pain no gain here. Having something being hard, but having the tools and perseverance to solve it is one thing, in fact it is a good thing. The pain or frustration we are talking about is the kind that does not always show on the outside but it is tearing away on the inside. The student needs to feel that it is OK if it takes more time, and needs to have the tools to help them. Providing fun math games that are designed to both drill and practice is a great tool!

Here are some solutions:

1. Use games as homework instead of just sending flash cards home helps in making math fun. There are lots of ways to incorporate those flashcards into common card games and with board games. Be sure to let the struggling math student use their charts and manipulatives as long as needed to help solve the problems used when playing games. This also helps solves the parent child conflicts that often arise at home with a struggling math student.
   
2. Find printable math games and activities that can be used as seat work. Packets can be designed based on individual needs. Doing a puzzle or solving a riddle that involves the skills that need drilled takes the "schoolness" away and will make the child want to do more.
   
3. Playing a game where movement is involved, shooting baskets, throwing a Koosh ball, or jumping on numbers placed on the floor are all fun, and help solidify needed skills in a more fun way.
   
4. Use innovative, challenging and interesting games that involve creative problems solving, but are still drilling basic skills, respects the integrity of the student,while honoring their need for extra practice.
   
5. No matter what kind of game you play, it is important that they say the full problem and answer aloud before moving, or throwing! This is extra multisensory reinforcement that pays off over time.

It is impossible to change a struggling math student's learning style and brain hardware, but doing everything possible to create an atmosphere where making math fun no matter how much pain or frustration there is for the student will create a positive learning atmosphere and keep the stomach aches at bay.

Article by Scotts Digital - top 10 digital marketing companies in Singapore.  Specially for eimaths Singapore, top singapore tuition with 8 branches across in Singapore.