A Collection Of Fun Math Homework Ideas For Teachers

Tired of the ultra-basic route approach to assigning math homework? Feeling weary of all the textbook assignments your students are clearly feeling weary over? We’ve got some fun-filled suggestions for incorporating higher learning into everyday scenarios, so kick back, sip some tea, and dread no more.


Turn math a bit more reader-friendly


Maybe some of your students are less number-savvy and more into the book scene. Sure, the textbook’s got plenty of word problems, but the problem of a dull course load still remains. Why not tap into current events? Post something new every week in a nice visible spot in your classroom which demonstrates the power of math in the real world. Did archaeologists dig up long-lost treasure? Was a company’s new headquarters constructed in what was once a humid jungle? Perhaps something even happened on campus! Regardless, and as you most certainly know, math is used in countless difficult situations all the time. Task your students with developing their best idea on how this was done and you’ll find them talking about algebra and geometry in bold new ways that old dusty tome just won’t inspire.

Turn math a bit more tactile


No matter what grade your students in – from kindergarteners on up to math majors – there’s something to be said for offering them touch-based evidence in their coursework. At younger ages, playing with coins and (especially!) candy can help children to directly recognize the lessons they’re learning, and parents can be asked to help their kids do the same at home for quick and easy assignments with the potential for tangible rewards. Older students might need something a bit more in-depth (although candy’s great at any age). Assign them a deck of cards and have them study their findings with regard to probability and proportion from the comfort of their couches.


Turn math a bit more social


If you’re teaching college many of your students likely have some substantial downtime between classes for at least part of their school week. Oftentimes, this is when a good chunk of out-of-class work is handled, anyway, so why not make things fun and have your learners pick partners? There’s a wide range of math content that can only be fully realized with the aid of teamwork, such as making measurements of campus buildings, multiple people picking cards at random, and even objective-based equation-solving.


Reach out and discover new techniques


Even as a teacher, you’ll never stop learning. Life is learning, after all, and the more eclectic your homework assignments are, the savvier you’ll become. Sure, you might attend twice-yearly seminars and bi-monthly teacher meetings, but never be afraid to check online for helpful tips. Use this company’s services, for example, for all sorts of outside-the-box new concepts. There are also hundreds of groups on social media dedicated to helping teachers make math fun.

You’re on your way to a very good thing


No matter how you choose to assign your homework, anything even remotely out-of-the-ordinary will go a long way with your students. The trope that math class is endless bookwork exists for a reason and you’ll stand out as a star professor if you can compel your pupils toward even a few stray smiles as they solve problems they never expected you to challenge them with. Just be sure you’re available to help them with anything unconventional, since there’s a good chance they’ll have questions you need to answer.


Go forth and teach!