Making Math Fun with Miss Heidi

As a homeschool math teacher, for many years I have been encouraging kids to find ways to love math. I grew up loving it and wanting everyone else to! I can honestly say it was probably because the math we used gradually taught me new concepts in a fun and easy to understand way. The little sections on some lessons in third grade Saxon math that let me correct a possible student’s work were easily my favorite part. Yes, I had to do the work to see if the right answers were written, but it made me excited! Watching and then helping my mom grade our math lessons showed me I was a natural teacher.

When my younger siblings started math, I was right there coaching them along and showing them the easier way to figure things out. I loved watching them get a concept and apply that understanding to the next lesson. I helped them all the way up to college level math and I still love it when they ask me to help them with a question or two!

Currently, I love that I get to teach many elementary levels of math – from first grade all the way to sixth! With so many grades at once, it gets pretty exciting!

Today, I want to share the five ways I make math fun as Miss Heidi!

1. I have a positive attitude towards math.

The first thing I always do is have a positive attitude towards math or any subject, in fact! There are a few subjects that are not my favorite as I don’t feel as strong in them and sometimes it takes me a minute to remember how to get the answer in math. But I always stay positive. Kids are very perceptive and can pick up on my attitude or opinion, good or bad. If I stay optimistic, they are less likely get upset. Instead, they get a bit excited as well and they might actually find themselves looking forward to the lesson.

2. I introduce new concepts in a new and exciting way.

Learning a new math concept can be challenging to children if it doesn’t make sense. I show them what they already know and how to apply that to the new thing they are learning. Breaking it down into easy steps and encouraging them makes them see it from a different perspective. Pretty soon it doesn’t seem as challenging and soon after that they are mastering it!

3. I find new math tools that teach in hands-on ways.

I absolutely love finding new math manipulatives that make learning fun. (Stay tuned for a blog post on my favorite that are sure to become yours!) A new tool that looks like a toy, but teaches multiplication facts is a fun way for kids to learn without pressure. Having linking cubes out and making patterns with them or pattern blocks just is fun for kids but also a way to learn. Leaving a learning clock out on the school table makes for great conversations on the daily schedule.

4. I correct mistakes gently and show the better way.

When it comes to correcting mistakes, I am patient and calm. Most children hate when they make a mistake as it makes them feel like they failed. But as in every area of life, I show them that instead of failing, that mistake actually taught them how to not do that problem. It also helps them to see what areas they need to take some extra time on. Staying calm and showing them the better and easier way to get to the right answer, teaches them to stay patient with themselves, me, and their math book.

5. I am open to their ideas and like to change things up.

Sometimes, kids just need a break from the normal. So I like to switch it up. Sure, we can go outside and do your math! Yes, I can write the numbers on this problem if you tell me the answers! Of course, we can have a snack break! Yes, we can skip fast facts today if you do this fun math page instead! Sure, we can play that game today that teaches math and money and counting! Anything like this makes kids know that math isn’t just the worksheet! It is all around them!

6. I love to show students how math is everywhere.

Many times the children will express to me their questions on why they need to learn math. In that case, I give them examples how math is literally everywhere in every day life. When we have a day out, we talk about how many miles we drove or how much money we spent. I let them pay at the self-checkout and keep the change if they can correctly tell me what it is! When we get a treat and share it among us all, they are doing math. When we make a tower out of magnetic tiles we are doing math. Showing them that math is all around them makes them better understand the value in their daily lessons.

7. I enjoy one-on-one time with my student.

Math is one subject that I know from experience is better taught with the focus on one student at a time. Some days that doesn’t always work out that way, but to the best of my ability, I try to set apart that little bit of time with each of them and guide them through their lesson. I have noticed how much they focus better when they just have my attention and I can teach them without distractions. This way, when I show them new material, I am fresh with ideas and am able to make it exciting. Plus, I also have seen them love this time with just Miss Heidi.

8. I encourage excellence with rewards.

Yes, I love to reward the children! If they do a good job, they get a reward. If they don’t try, they don’t get the joy of being rewarded. All of them know they get to look in my special treasure box if they did an excellent job on their work!

Children love to be rewarded for good work – who doesn’t? Most of the time, they want to make me proud of them and my praise is enough reward for them. They also know I reward extra when I see more effort or when they require more out of themselves. For example, if they use a timer on their fast facts, I give a bonus award! This gives them little goals to improve themselves and makes them push themselves a tiny bit harder.

The best part is when they finish a math book with Miss Heidi, they get to go on a special date with me! It is an exciting day to work toward and to talk about during our math lessons!