Stepping into the classroom as a first-time math teacher? Or maybe you’ve recently moved to a new subject or grade level (which almost feels like starting fresh)? Have no fear! Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning teacher, ExploreLearning gathered tips and tricks to help you take on your new math teaching adventure! Check out these ten math teaching tips for a successful school year.
10 teaching tips for math teachers
Here are 10 essential tips to help you navigate your math teaching journey, create an engaging learning environment, and ensure your students thrive. These practical and impactful strategies below will set you up for a successful school year!
- Build a Classroom Community - It’s important to create a space where students feel welcomed. Cultivate a close-knit community by holding morning meetings. Invite students to share about themselves and encourage students to give each other shoutouts. Teaching students these social-emotional skills will help them build a stronger bond with each other and with you, so they’ll feel more comfortable collaborating during math time.
- Meet All Students’ Needs - Not every student learns the same. And not every student will understand a math concept on the first try. So differentiating math instruction is key. Before opening up a textbook, give students a back-to-school questionnaire and discover how they learn best. Then later in the year, you can refer back to their responses and teach students in small math groups using strategies that work best for them. You can also use adaptive, online math solutions, like Reflex and Frax, for easy personalized learning.
- Introduce Concepts Before Diving In - Math can be confusing. So diving right into a new math concept might overwhelm students. Introduce new math vocabulary and explain to students what they will learn next. Remember to model and show these math concepts during your introduction, not just tell students. Also, ask students what they know to build on their prior knowledge.
- Shift Students’ Thinking - You may be intimidated by teaching math. And the truth is your students may be intimidated by learning it. Encourage students to do away with negative self-talk and think positively about their math abilities with growth mindset affirmations. Mindset can make a difference in how students approach math.
- Get Students Talking - A classroom shouldn’t always be quiet. Students need to be able to collaborate with and talk to each other, even during math. Have students participate in math discourse to share ideas and compare their findings. Set up math discourse guidelines and teach math discourse prompts so students can get comfortable with their math vocabulary.
- Make Math Fun - Math is more than just pondering over problems with a paper and pencil. Math can be interactive and engaging! Use math manipulatives and simulations, like Gizmos, for hands-on math instruction. And incorporate math games, offline and online, like Reflex and Frax, to bring excitement into your classroom.
- Tie it Back to the Real World - Students often wonder when they’ll ever use math concepts, like algebra and geometry. Take the time to showcase how math ties back to the real world! Use examples of how math is used in day-to-day life during your lessons. You can even host a career day to highlight successful math professionals in your community. That way, students will realize that math goes beyond the classroom.
- Give Regular Feedback - Organize student check-ins to give students feedback. During these meetings, you can let students know how they did on a particular task or assignment. And you can also share helpful tips on improving and building on their skills.
- Find Your Support System - Teaching isn’t a job that should be done alone. Teachers need other teachers. Get connected with fellow educators in person or online to share strategies and best practices. There are even online groups you can join to learn from education experts, like the Reflex & Frax Clubhouse.
- Remember to Rest and Recharge - To be the best math teacher you can be, you need to take care of yourself. Take the time to do something you enjoy, whether catching up on your favorite show or taking an afternoon stroll. You deserve it!
Embracing the math teaching journey
Teaching math is a rewarding and challenging journey that requires creativity, patience, and dedication. By building a supportive classroom community, meeting students' diverse needs, and making math fun and relevant, you can inspire a love for learning in your students.
Remember to take care of yourself and seek support from fellow educators to continue growing as a teacher. With these tips and strategies, you'll be well-equipped to make a positive impact in your math classroom and help your students achieve their full potential. Here's to a successful and fulfilling school year ahead!