Numbers are the fundamental elements of math, and it is crucial to strengthen numeracy skills in middle school students. Though the first ten numbers (from 0 to 9) are the pillars of mathematics, some students might have a phobia of numbers. Learning can be very engaging if students are taught to handle numbers effectively. Every math teacher encounters students who are terrified of numbers. Their familiarity with numbers will be strengthened by doing some math activities in the classroom. Here are five fun activities for strengthening numeracy skills in middle school students. Take a look at these fun and engaging activities that help strengthen numeracy competency in students:
5 Fun Activities for Strengthening Numeracy Skills:
1. Creating Equations Using The Hundred Challenge
This activity for enhancing numeracy skills in middle school students requires creating equations out of four numbers that are supposed to be chosen from the range of the first hundred numbers.; i.e., the range should be from 1 to 100.
The teacher can provide any random four digits from the range and asks students to perform various calculations from fundamental mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to create equations. A few specific rules need to be followed to play the game effectively and efficiently. The rules include; getting efficient results from this strategy, which are:
- They were using all the digits while creating the equations. The 4 (four) chosen numbers must be in the equation.
- The selected digits should not be repeated but used only once in each equation.
- Symbols, parentheses, expressions, and radicals can separate various arithmetic calculations.
- Fractions, decimals, new digits, or any other mathematical expression can be created after combining and using several formulas on all four numbers.
Using such activities in the class will initiate different ideas among students, which enhances the students’ logical thinking abilities along with familiarizing students with numbers.
It is one of the best activities for strengthening numeracy skills in middle school students. Initially, students will try to use tricks by using addition and subtraction equations. But in the long run, advanced computations will power their minds when they compete with other students.
2. Equations Or Expressions Of The Day
A math teacher can write the equation on the board as a quiz and check the students’ understanding levels. Teachers can create a mathematical expression or problem and ask students to solve it when the class begins.
For instance, instead of simply writing the date on the board, an equation can be created to let the students find the current date mathematically. For example, if the date is 2 for a given month and year, any ordinary equation like 7(x+5) = 49 can be written in place of 2, which the students must solve and find out.
The activity strengthening numeracy skills in middle school students does not end here; after discovering the number, they create two equations where each equals 2. A considerable time limit can be given to the students for this activity, and then all the answers can be reviewed and discussed to create an engaging environment in the class.
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It is a great way to appreciate students’ creative solutions and problem-solving abilities. The advantage of this activity is that it creates and develops students’ mathematical numerals skills through daily algebraic equations and expressions.
3. Play Cryptarithmetic Puzzles
Source: Three J’s Learning: Cryptarithmetic puzzles follow-up (3jlearneng.blogspot.com)
These puzzles are also called verbal arithmetic, alpha-metics, or word addition. It is a mathematical game that replaces digits of unknown numbers of any mathematical expression or equation with alphabets or letters.
To begin with, one of the best activities for strengthening numeracy skills in middle school students teachers need to write a puzzle on the board and provide the alphabet representing each digit as hints. Then, they can ask students to crack the puzzle with the help of these hints. Fundamental arithmetic operations can be used in these puzzles. In addition, the puzzle has some specifications which are necessary to follow.
- Numbers should not start with zero.
- Each letter should represent a unique letter, i.e., duplication is not allowed. Also, a letter cannot convey a number involving more than one digit and vice-versa.
- An authentic cryptarithmetic puzzle should have only one solution.
Students can also create puzzles and compete with classmates after gaining skills from everyday activities and strengthening their creativity and learning.
4. More Real-Life Activities
Real-world activities are more relatable and can be an easy way of learning numeracy. Computations relating to timetables and TV programs like cartoons which are more appealing to students can be used as a support to involve numbers in talks: even everyday activities and conversations like asking for time, shopping, calculating expenses, and savings.
For instance, the teacher can ask students to calculate the time it takes to reach the destination or the distance they cover whenever they travel from one place to another. It will help them understand numbers’ utility in real life and enhance their numeracy skills.
5. Counting Activities
Source: Bee Counting Activity – Toddler at Play
The basic concept of mathematics is numbers which can be strengthened by counting. Reading and learning numbers may be boring for students. But it becomes interesting when this is done in the form of some game or fun activity.
Various classroom activities, such as totaling the number of students present, and stationary things like pens, pencils, copies, and books can be used to increase the practice of counting in math class and strengthen numeracy skills in middle school students.
For example, newspapers or magazine papers can be unordered, and students can be asked to rearrange them as per the numeral sequence.
Also Read: 11 Inspiring Black History Month Math Activities for Students
Takeaway
Now that you know some of the fun number activities so as a parent or teacher, you can use these five fun activities for strengthening numeracy skills in middle school students. Try to bring out the inner fear of numbers that the students may have and replace it with courage in a fun way. I hope your students will enjoy these activities.
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