by Chynell EM, 2nd Grade Teacher, “The Pinspired Teacher”:
Do you have students who sprint in the success lane all day, until it’s time for math?
I do. In fact, I have two 2nd graders this year who happen to be head over heels in love with writing fiction. Here’s a snapshot of what used to be a typical afternoon:
I look over at the writing center to spot the two boys writing stories together. It’s a beautiful sight to see the two of them literally putting their heads together as they sit shoulder to shoulder, giggling about the plot as they write.
Then, I speak those words of creative death to them, “Clean up. It’s time for math.”
Their body language instantly collapses with dread as they trudge back to their seats. They are last to join us on the carpet -- again.
Minutes ago, we were just laughing together as they rushed up to me, eager to share their recent progress in their latest story. Now, I look at them sitting on the carpet with lifeless expressions.
Sound familiar?
A couple weeks ago, my teacher gut was telling me to tap into their creative storytelling talents while we reviewed for our upcoming math test.
But how?
Then it hit me! I had a light-bulb moment.
I could use nontraditional math apps for math!
This was such a no-brainer. I couldn’t believe I had such inside-the-box thinking that math apps are only used for math, reading apps only for reading, and so on.
It turns out that my reluctant second graders absolutely loved it! So, now, I am eager to share the 3 apps that helped spark my second graders' creativity and engagement during math.
Getting Started
Go treasure hunting through your iPad looking for apps that are not screaming math and begin to think of how it could be utilized for math practice.
If you begin using nontraditional math apps that your students are already familiar with or love, it eliminates the learning curve and eases them into using the app in a new way.
3 Apps to Try
The Sock Puppets app allows students to use their own voice to make a digital sock puppet talk. For math, students can:
- Record themselves reading a math story problem they created.
- Record the steps to solving a problem.
- Record a puppet providing math vocabulary definitions.
- Do anything that requires students to justify or explain their answer.
The Sock Puppets app lets students create a background scene, as well as several possible characters. This is also great for math activities with partners because the app allows for two puppets to talk to one another. In my classroom, math partners have taken on roles so that one partner (puppet 1) asks a math question, and the other partner (puppet 2) explains how to solve the answer.
We then play the video on our SMART Board so that the whole class can solve the math story problems!
Tip: This activity can also serve as a great formative assessment.
Magnetic Alphabet is like a digital version of a cookie sheet and magnetic alphabet letters. We use this app the most during word study or guided reading because it’s great for word building.
For math, students can:
- Create a scene, select a character, and write a story problem on a recording sheet.
- Switch up traditional whiteboards occasionally and use Magnetic Alphabet as a fun way to answer questions
ChatterPix Kids is one of my personal favorites! ChatterPix Kids allows you to snap a photo of anything or anyone and animate the object or person by drawing a talking mouth on top of the picture.
Students record their voice and, poof, the picture comes to life! We really get a kick out of using this for reading. So, I knew my students would love it for math as well.
For math, students can:
- Take a picture of their work, such as a worksheet or manipulatives, and then animate it to explain their thinking.
- Animate vocabulary terms. For example, students could take a picture of a picture graph, line plot, and bar graph, animate each one, and explain what they are. In fact, one of my students used ChatterPix Kids to show her knowledge of place value by making the hundreds block talk. Most of my students like to use pictures for role-playing, which makes the topic more entertaining.
Ever since I viewed my treasure trove of apps with this new, widened lens, my two students have been authentically engaged in math. I’ve also encouraged my students to find nontraditional math apps and figure out how they can be used for math. Whenever a student thinks of one, we stop and share with the class.
I've given just a few examples of apps out there that aren’t targeted for math, but there are so many more! I challenge you to rethink apps you’ve never used for math. Try them out and share your experiences online with the TenMarks Facebook and Twitter communities!
Chynell is a second grade teacher and author who creates resources for elementary teachers. She is dedicated to showing teachers how to bring out the very best version of themselves, both personally and professionally. You can connect with Chynell on her website, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. You can also subscribe to her email list to get the latest tips for the K-5 teacher.
