Making Math More Delightful
Homeschool math tends to be a dreaded subject, at least in our house. We’d all prefer to be making creative projects or writing as opposed to working math problems. However, it is possible to make math less frightful and more delightful if you’re willing to be a little bit creative with the possibilities.
Making Math More Delightful
How do you study math in your homeschool? Do your kids enjoy worksheets or flash cards? Do you take a living books approach a la the Charlotte Mason method? What works for your kids? I think it’s important to find what works for them and then focus on that to build skills and confidence.
Regardless of whether math sends them into tears or cheers, most kids will enjoy playing math games. My two younger daughters have been enjoying Splash Math, an online math website for grades kindergarten through 5th.
“Can I bookmark this site and use it again?”
That’s what my youngest daughter asked me after the first time she used Splash Math. Yes, she actually asked to do math. My middle daughter agreed.
What do we like about Splash Math?
- Obviously, the learning is gameified. They earn coins for completed lessons and unlock new characters for the games.
- The lessons are engaging with colorful characters.
- It’s not all games — the lessons really do reinforce math concepts.
- The parent dashboard allows goal setting, progress tracking, and the curriculum topics listed out.
- Parents can easily see which areas have been mastered and which need more work.
- Parents can set up reminders to check progress and to make sure kids stay on track with the allotted practice time weekly goals.
- Easily switch between grade levels to find the best fit for your children.
- Bonus for me: I don’t have to teach the math. I can just observe and help out when needed. Because honestly, math does not bring me joy.
I like it that my girls are getting math done in a fun way. I don’t object to fun learning because it’s still learning. And why shouldn’t math be a little more delightful?
You can use Splash Math on the computer or on a compatible tablet. We have been using it on a Windows 7 PC with no issues.
I recommend giving Splash Math for homeschoolers a try for some fun math practice. Whether you just want to use it for review over the summer or as your math curriculum, it could be just the kind of math you need to liven things up.
You can check out the Splash Math games here and even get a free trial, so take advantage of it now! The fact that my daughters are smiling while working on math is priceless.
Learn with Math Games
In addition to Splash Math lessons and online games, you can do some hands-on math activities to get kids excited about math.
Here’s a list of math games, including board games, printable games, and DIY games for hands-on math learning. Take some of the dread out of math time with these ideas!
Multiplication Practice Paperfolding by Kids Activities Blog – By simply folding some paper into cootie catchers, you can actually create an informative math game for students focusing on anything from addition to fractions.
Math Wall Stickers (Reusable!) – Play with math on the walls! This set of reusable wall decals are a great way to turn math into an interactive experience. Play Simon Says with math on the wall! “Simon says show one half.” Love it!!
3D Lego Multiplication Graph via Frugal Fun for Boys – We love Lego, but did you know because of their shape they are great tools for multiplication? This graph will help kids visualize multiplication in three dimensions.
Numbers & Counting Quiet Cubes Game – This game designed for ages 4-7 uses dice rolls to help teach ABCs, counting and basic addition. The best part is the foam dice are designed to be super duper quiet for a truly peaceful learning experience!
Math Explosion Volcano Game – With this fascinating game, players are able to customize math facts with a math fact creator so that players of all ages can play for many years to come. Be the first player to explode the volcano by getting your math facts correct!
Connect Four Bingo Game by Lucky to be in First – Everyone loves Bingo, and when you can take a game that’s already fun and turn it into something educational everyone wins. Children will be paying close attention so they can be the first to exclaim BINGO!
Aliens on Vacation multiplication game by Deceptively Educational – This printable board game requires a little setup, but it provides children with a chance to put their math skills to the test to get their alien home from vacation.
Factors and Multiples Games – Grades 3 & up. Students work together to create wheels of numbers that share a common factor. Can be used as an individual or group activity. Cards are self-checking to allow accurate practice or review of multiplication facts. 96 double-sided, self-checking cards.
Crazy Daisy Multiplication by Deceptively Educational- Looking for something a little more cute? The Crazy Daisy Multiplication printable math game will help kids visualize solutions as they color in a crazy daisy.
Whack It! Place Value Math Game by Creekside Learning – It’s no secret that kids love any game where they can get a little bit physical and give things a good whack, so why not teach math at the same time? This game helps with place values, but can be adjusted for other lessons.
Don’t forget to check out my fun tricks for summer math practice.
I hope these ideas will make homeschool math more delightful for you!
Make sure to take advantage of the free trial of Splash Math for homeschoolers to spark some joy in math lessons for your kids while still learning what they need to know to succeed in math.
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