Run!  Hide! AHHhhh!  These are some of the many horrifying comments that come out of students’ mouth’s when the word math is mentioned.  To many students, numbers seem to have their own language, and this terrifies them.  I believe that it is my job as a future educator to relieve this mathematical stress for my future students through using manipulatives, applying the material to their lives, targeting each learning style, and integrating math into other academic subjects.

             Because mathematics can become very intimidating to students, it is important for teachers to discover multiple ways to ease the math fear.  One way that I have discovered how to help students understand mathematics better is through using manipulatives to teach material.  Manipualtives allow students to see math from a different perspective, often creating a new sense of learning among students.  Through my experience in service learning, I have seen the benefits that using manipulatives has on teaching children mathematics.  The hands on activity assists in keeping the student on task which is very important when discovering a new theory to mathematics.

             Another instrument that is very beneficial when teaching math to students is creating problems from the material that relate to the students life.  I believe that when students are able to understand how they will use the material that they are learning, they will be more apt and excited to learn.  Teachers can do this through all areas of mathematics, including measurement, fractions, and graphs.  Applying math to everyday situations makes a huge difference in student comprehension.

             The most important part to teaching mathematics is to discover ways to target each learning style with the material being taught.  I understand that each of my students will learn differently.  Therefore, it is my responsibility as an educator to add elements of each learning style into my lesson plans.  Students deserve the right to understand the material being taught to them, and one way to better insure this is through teaching to each learning style.

             It is crucial for teachers to create bridges over the gaps between each of the school subjects.  Because math can be intimidating to students, I plan on integrating it into the material of other academic subjects.  I believe that when students are able to make this connection, they become more interested in what they are learning.  It is my goal to assist my students in becoming their best academic selves, and realizing the connection between subject matter among students is crucial in becoming a well rounded student.

              Even though math can be intimidating to students, I will ease mathematical stress through applying these concepts into my future classroom.  Hopefully I will be able to assist my students in a pattern of mathematical success as they succeed in these teaching strategies.  

Graphic:  http://bryantschools.org/bhs/staffindex/art/math.jpg