Although addition is a relatively easy math concept to learn, there
are at least 5 fun ways to teach addition. They allow learning of
addition to be more enjoyable for students, instead of completing
the traditional mind numbing worksheets. Any time you can make it
more personal, creative, and challenging for students they will find
not only can they add - they have the ability to apply addition to
many situations.
The first fun way is through the use of an online computer program
that uses virtual manipulatives by Utah State University. Their website
is designed
to engage student critical thinking skills as they apply addition
concepts. One of their virtual manipulative activities is called the
Circle 21 puzzle. The goal of the puzzle is to place 3 numbers in
a circle so the sum is 21. However there are 7 circles and each circle
overlaps 2 other circles. So you have to consider how each number
you add to a circle impacts the sum in an adjoining circle. This interactive
activity teaches students problem solving skills and connections to
real world situations.
Another fun way is by playing a board game, such as Yahtzee or Monopoly.
Board games are one of the recommended tools for developing a deeper
understanding of math concepts. Both of these two examples require
addition and in most cases mental addition to play the games. Not
only is playing board games fun, they are also a learning tool for
arithmetic. Board games teach problem solving skills and connections
to the real world.
Combining the use of food in addition problems is another fun strategy for
learning basic math skills. Skittles are always good because they
come in a variety of colors, so do M&Ms. Another consideration is
to use healthy foods such as apples, grapes, orange slices, crackers,
different types of cheeses, etc. These foods can be used as manipulatives
to replace numbers in an addition problem. As students practice their
addition skills, they get to eat their math. Problems can be connected
to buying foods and other products, so students can use their problem
solving skills and make connections to real world situations and choices
when buying food.
A fourth fun way to learn addition is by using paint by numbers kits.
Students get to paint each numbered part of a picture when they solve
an associated addition math problem. This teaches students not only
the how to solve addition problems; it also teaches them how to use
critical thinking and problem solving skills as they use the paint
by number set to learn addition. This type of fun activity teaches
them how to problem solve as they hone their addition skills and make
connections to situations in the world outside their classroom.
A fifth way is to have a simulated store in the classroom that sells various
products, the use of empty containers and plastic foods to allow the
store to be used more than once. The store has only one way that students
can purchase the items, the total must add to a certain number or
fall within a certain number range to purchase the products. This
creates a problem solving situation in which students must have a
sound understanding of addition as it relates to other math concepts.
These include connections with subtraction, division, and multiplication.
And additional challenge can be the inclusion of sales tax. Not only
are students learn their addition facts, they are making connections
to real world situations.
One common thread that runs through all of these fun activities is
the fact they use of virtual or real manipulatives to actively engage
students in the leaning process.