Mathematics for young learners, could there be a more straightforward subject to teach?
I think it’s relatively safe to say that almost everyone who has had an average elementary school experience also has workbook memories. While other subjects seemed to require different reading materials and critical thinking skills, the handy dandy math textbook was always there in the back of your locker, like an old and trustworthy friend that had long since run out of ways to surprise you.
Thankfully, for the math-inclined student, many teachers and educators do not believe that math has to be dusty or boring. Math surrounds us and is integrated into many important parts of our lives!
Sure, workbooks have their place among many outstanding tools that are at your student’s disposal, but who says they have to be the end all? Programs like Biteslide are adaptable which makes them easy to integrate into a large range of curriculum.
Biteslide Can Enforce Basic Math Skills
Math literacy takes time. It also is built up around basic and foundational math skills- mainly addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. For students that are wired for visual processing, Biteslide offers both educators and parents the opportunity build slides based around workbook problems and a student’s particular interests. Below is an example of a basic slideshow that details a subtraction problem from a workbook.
As the student progresses in his or her understanding of a particular concept, it is okay to let go of the reins and ask them to build a slideshow explaining the steps they took to get to their eventual answer.
Biteslide Can Enliven Word Problems
Word problems are literally haunting. They show up in all levels of math curriculum and are generally assumed to be helpful when trying to explain to a student that, sigh, math is actually a subject that he or she will use.
Word problems are great ways to think critically. They can also seem very daunting.
Working through a word problem on Biteslide encourages students to use all facets of learning to solve every day problems. (Yes, you can draw a picture to solve an equation!) Slideshow presentations allow students to get creative while also zoning in on a particular task. The combination should leave your students feeling empowered to tackle word problems from several possible angles.
Below is an example of a slideshow that was started by a teacher and then solved by a student.
Biteslide Can Connect Math to the Every Day
After your students have a solid and foundational understanding of the basic mathematical concepts you are trying to convey, why not have them explore the everyday application of their newly acquired knowledge?
Biteslide is not only easy use; it is also easy to share. Breaking away from the textbook for exciting and interesting presentations is a good way to break up the week and to make students feel like their knowledge has applicable power. Here is an excellent presentation that uses basic math (addition and patterns) and applies it to Fibonacci’s sequencing.
Math doesn’t have to solely reside in between the pages of a textbook. Biteslide offers ways that for students to be involved in their learning process. Visual learners will benefit from the tactical nature of the program while learners of all varieties will have fun extending their newly acquired knowledge into a stunning and shareable platform.
Register now so your students can start their own math projects.
And please do get in touch to let us know the exciting ways are you using Biteslide to promote math skills.
Kathryn Rose is a full-time educator turned full-time mom and writer focusing on parenting and educational topics. After completing her Elementary Education Certification through North Park University, she taught middle school Social Studies in Chicago, IL. She still teaches part-time and loves putting together engaging lesson plans and activities that keep kids engaged and moving.
