Use Rhyming Math to Make Arithmetic Fun and Easy

We all need to know how to add and more importantly we need to know the answers right off the top of our head. But, how do we get what we know (or don't know) into our children? It can be so frustrating to see a small child struggle. You get frustrated right along with them. Every book you read tells you to find the way that they learn best. So, what we all need to be psychologists? No, no, no! Most of us learn best when the same information gets into our brain from many pathways. For instance, when we learned the alphabet we sang it, wrote it, played with magnetic letters and watched them used all over the place.

Math is the same way. We will learn it best if we sing it, write it, play with the numbers and look at it all over the place. Are you thinking? Well, that sounds great but how do I sing math? Some people have said that just saying 2+2=4 in rhythm works for them. But, I like adding movement to my students songs. This releases energy and puts an action to the words that they are saying. (The technical way of saying:) This method teaches using both kinesthetic and audio learning. You can add visual learning by pointing to the problem on the board as you are dancing to the song or hold up the flash cards. One song that I use is listed below. You can change the words for your own children.

2+2 Take off your shoe equals 4 at the door. Touch you feet

2+3 I like bees equals 5 and what's in their hive. Pull honey up

2+4 NO more war equals 6 not even sticks Cross arms over chest while shaking head no.

2+5 I'll strive equals 7 to reach the heaven Stretch both arms high.

2+6 P and J mix equals 8 a sandwich I ate Chew mouth

2+7 The engines revving' equals 9 we'll be on time Look at watch and march

2+8 Don't stay up late equals 10 you'll fall asleep again Close eyes and place hands together on cheek

2+9 We wait in line equals 11 so you're not beggin' Clasps hands like you're begging.

2+10 Our organs within equals 12 where we won't dwelve Point to organs and then dive toward the floor

2+11 Wear you're leggin's equals 13 so you're not freez-een Pull on leggings and the stand to shiver.

2+12 Stay off the shelves equals 14 so you're not hurt-een Pretend to climb and then limp in a circle holding one leg.

Use your imagination and when yours runs out just ask me at tesh2work@gmail.com. I will write you back and maybe even write an article on it.