Mastering Math: How to Crack Challenging Math Problems in Under a Minute!
Math, often regarded as the king of all sciences, can sometimes pose challenges that leave even the brighte...
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Last Updated on August 31, 2021 by Thinkster
If you are a teacher who is preparing for another week of summer school or a parent looking for ideas to add math enrichment to your child’s summer school routine, why not embrace the beauty of technology? These math enrichment activities are great for the summer school setting and they capitalize on today’s child’s love of technology.
One of the best types of activities for summer school is one that is self-checking. This frees teachers to spend more one-on-one time with the kids who need it most. QR Code Jenga is just such an activity, and it also encourages group and play-based learning.
To start, obtain a Jenga game and print these free QR code fraction labels. Stick them on to the Jenga blocks, and give the kids the blocks with a smart phone or tablet they can use to scan the QR codes. Place a pile of blocks in the center of the group, and instruct students to grab one. They must then answer the question on that block, then scan the block’s QR code to check their answer. If they are correct, students can use the block to build a tower. If they are not, they put it back in the pile. Let the students finish the game by photographing their tower on the phone or tablet.
Tablets can be used as individual tutors in the summer school setting. Kids can be set up with personalized instruction via a tutoring app, allowing them to progress through the skills they need help with at their own speed. This is ideal for the summer school setting because it allows students to get the help they need on their specific areas of weaknesses, instead of forcing them to waste valuable summer time reviewing skills they are comfortable with.
When incorporating a tablet-based learning program into your summer school, make sure you choose wisely. You want a program designed by teachers. You also want a program that teaches while the child is working, rather than saving instruction for after a problem is complete. Finally, choose a program that provides game-like play to keep kids engaged. Thinkster Math is an affordable, personalized option that includes all of these features.
Instead of pulling out the flashcards for Around the World for the 100th time, use the tablet to make flashcards and math drills more engaging. You can use the tablet in a couple of ways. One is to add QR codes to traditional flashcards and challenging the kids to see how many they can get right, checking their own answers as they go. You can also purchase QR code-enabled flashcards to have on hand in the classroom or to print at home.
Another option is to download a variety of drill practice apps to complement tablet-based tutoring. These provide yet another way to use technology for math enrichment in your summer school classroom.
Summer is here and the last thing most kids want to do is spend time cooped up inside the classroom during summer school. Bringing some technology and fun into the mix can make it more enjoyable, and encourage more effective learning. Whether you are a parent or a teacher, these ideas can help your summer school students succeed.
