When young children are learning words, a standard activity is to give them groups of words, which increase in difficulty as the groups progress. As the child studies and repeatedly learns the spelling and pronunciation of the words in Group A, she eventually can recite them off without hesitation or thought. She can then progress to Group B.
This same method of practice can be applied to math so with consistent practice students will no longer have to use their fingers to count as they will eventually just "know" the answer to common arithmetic problems.
Construct groups of problems that get progressively harder and test students until they can answer all the problems without hesitation.
Group A may include 4 + 1, 5 -- 2, 3 + 3, whereas Group B will have sums like 9 -- 4, 10 + 5. Introduce multiplication and division sums in the next groups and step up the numbers in the final groups.
Maths dictionaries are available in many stationary shops but getting the class to create their own means they learn the terms as they create the dictionary.
First, the class should put together the list of terms to be included, such as 3D, addition, angle, circle, degrees, fraction, horizontal, perimeter, or square.
The class can agree upon a format for the design and then work in groups to design each page and definition for all the terms, complete with illustrations.
Once all the pages are complete, they can be put together to form the math dictionary, which will be a useful learning resource for future reference.
Create a hat or crown for the children to wear, complete with decorations.
To play the game, a child must stand at the front of the class and wear the hat. The teacher must then attach a random number between 0 and 10 to the front of the hat, without the hat wearer seeing it.
The rest of the class must then work out what needs to be added to the number to make 10 and show the answer on their fingers for the hat wearer to see. They will then be able to work out the hidden number.
This game can be extended to practice bigger numbers or shapes by attaching a 2D shape and telling the class to give the hat wearer clues about it so they can work it out.
This is an enjoyable game that tests students skills in mental arithmetic and encourages them to think faster.
Divide the class into two teams and draw a grid of 9 large squares on the board, each with a random number inside, only one of which is the correct answer.
Invite one member from each team to the board and give them a fly swatter, warning them not to hit each other with it. As the students face you, call out a problem, such as 5 + 2, 4 x 3 or 10 -- 6.
The first student to hit the correct answer wins a point for their team. After each round, switch the seating so the same players aren't competing against each other all the time.