Draw, play, and do math

Suma Vivekanandan

The fear of math appears to be a global phenomenon. Research shows that more than 85 per cent students in the world fear mathematics. This fear arises from everybody around them telling them that math is difficult. Unfortunately our education system works on rote methodology. It tests you for how much you can cram before the examination day and reproduce on the examination day. Mathematics does not work that way. It works on logic. But this fear can be addressed if you teach children math through games and activities.

A teacher’s attitude towards mathematics can make a huge difference. Just as we ask teachers to demonstrate a love of reading when it comes to literacy, we must also encourage math teachers to show a love of maths. Teachers are instrumental in creating positive and active learning environments, for instance, by incorporating maths puzzles and games into explanations and examples.

I have tried some of these activities with my class 4 students. I encourage you to try them with your students as well.

Activity to learn HCF (highest common factor) for grade 4 students

Ask all students to draw as many circles as the numbers in the question

To find the HCF of 2 and 3, draw the circles as below.

• • Now bring down the two circles from the top row and cancel as many circles from the row above.

• Now what is left in the top row? One circle.
• Bring that circle down and cancel one from the top.

We are left with one circle in the top row and one in the bottom row. Cut the circle from the top row.

• We are now left with only one circle.
• So the HCF of 2 and 3 is 1.

Let us try another example. HCF of 2 and 4.
• Draw circles as shown.

Bring the two circles from the top row below the four circles in the bottom row and cancel two from the top row.

We are left with two circles in the top row and two in the bottom row. Cut the two circles from the top row.

• Two circles are left.
• So The HCF of 2 and 4 is 2.

One more example
HCF of 4 and 6

Bring the four circles down and cancel four circles from the top row.

Bring the two circles from the top row below the four circles in the bottom row and cut two circles from the top row now.

We are left with two circles in the top row and two in the bottom row. Cut the two circles from the top row.

Now two circles are left. So HCF is 2.

Topic: Money – preparing bill (group activity)

Grade 4
• Divide the class into groups of five.
• Ask them to prepare a menu for a restaurant.
• Once the menu is ready, let the groups exchangethem.
• Then give instructions like

1. Five students are going to a restaurant.
2. Each one has Rs. 50/- with you.
3. Order the things you want to eat with the money you have.
4. Spend as much money as you can.

The author is working as a mathematics teacher and primary coordinator in Atul Vidyalaya, Atul, Gujarat. She is a passionate teacher whose aim is to rid her students of their fear of math. She has won many awards for teaching excellence. She can be reached at suma_vivekanandan@atulvidyalaya.ac.in.