Maths can sometimes get a bad rep as one of the trickiest subjects in school. But with the right approach, it can easily become one of your students’ favourite lessons! In this article, we’ll go through 6 simple but effective ways to bring a bit of fun (and even more excitement!) to your maths lessons.
Whether it’s through creative games, real-life examples, or harnessing the power of technology, these simple tips will help keep your students engaged, motivated, and most importantly, enjoying their learning journey.
Why do some students hate maths?
Let’s face it—maths often gets a bad reputation, and many students approach it with a sense of dread. But why is that? For some, the subject feels intimidating due to its logical and structured nature, which can seem rigid compared to more creative subjects. Others might struggle because they’ve fallen behind on basic concepts, making it harder to keep up with more advanced topics.
Maths anxiety is also a common issue, where the fear of making mistakes creates a mental block. Beyond the classroom, societal stereotypes about maths being “difficult” can also discourage students from engaging with the subject. Recognising these challenges is the first step to turning frustration into enjoyment.
Let’s take a look at some of these issues and how we can help our students overcome them:
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Maths Anxiety
According to studies from the American Psychological Association, 20–25% of students experience moderate to high levels of maths anxiety
A lot of this fear comes from the idea that there’s always a “right” answer in maths—unlike more creative subjects like English or Art, where interpretation plays a bigger role. This can create a fear of making mistakes, which discourages some students from even trying.
To combat this, it’s essential to create an environment where mistakes are seen as part of the learning process. Celebrate effort and problem-solving rather than just focusing on the final answer.
Here’s some ideas of how you could incorporate this into a classroom setting
- Normalise Mistakes: Show that mistakes are a natural part of learning by intentionally making small errors while solving a problem on the board and asking students to help you spot them. This helps them see that even teachers don’t get everything right the first time.
- Focus on Effort Over Results: Create a “problem-solving wall” where students can display strategies or methods they’ve tried, even if they didn’t get the correct answer. Celebrate their creative thinking and perseverance.
- Encourage Group Work: Use activities like “maths pair shares,” where students work in pairs to solve a problem and explain their reasoning to each other before sharing with the class. This builds confidence in a supportive environment.
- Break Problems Down: Use a problem-solving framework, such as providing students with the first step of a challenging problem and asking them to complete just one additional step at a time, gradually building to the full solution.
- Relate Maths to Real Life: Bring in real-world examples, such as using percentages to calculate sale prices on items or measuring ingredients for a recipe, to show how maths connects to everyday life.
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Learning Styles
For some students, especially those with creative, right-brain-dominated minds, the structured and analytical nature of maths doesn’t quite click. Traditional teaching methods often rely on memorisation and step-by-step processes, which can feel restrictive to students who prefer to explore concepts more freely.
Incorporating creative activities and hands-on learning can help these students bridge the gap and find enjoyment in maths.
Here’s some examples of how to help different learning styles
- Visual Learners: Use colourful charts, diagrams, and visual aids. For example, when teaching geometry, provide students with graph paper and rulers to draw shapes or use pie charts to explain fractions.
- Auditory Learners: Incorporate verbal explanations, discussions, and songs. For example, use rhymes or chants to help students remember multiplication tables or encourage them to talk through their problem-solving process with a partner.
- Kinaesthetic Learners: Incorporate hands-on activities and movement. For instance, use physical objects like blocks or coins for counting exercises, or let students create number lines on the floor and physically step through equations.
- Logical Learners: Provide puzzles and logic-based activities. For example, use Sudoku puzzles, pattern recognition games, or complex problem-solving tasks that require step-by-step reasoning.
- Creative Learners: Offer open-ended tasks and real-world connections. For instance, challenge students to design their own maths games or use art to explore symmetry and patterns.
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Past Experiences
Negative experiences—like struggling with foundational concepts—can build mental roadblocks that make maths feel overwhelming. If a student has fallen behind early on, it’s easy for them to believe they’re simply “bad at maths” and give up.
Offering personalised support and revisiting those foundational concepts can make a world of difference. Small victories can rebuild confidence and help students feel more positive about the subject.
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Gender Stereotypes
Studies suggest that girls often report higher levels of maths anxiety than boys. This can be linked to outdated societal stereotypes that imply boys are naturally better at maths and science. These stereotypes not only discourage girls from engaging with maths but can also negatively impact their confidence and performance.
As educators, it’s important to challenge these stereotypes by promoting inclusivity and celebrating the achievements of all students equally. Highlighting role models from diverse backgrounds can also inspire students to see the possibilities maths can offer.
Understanding these challenges is the first step to making maths a subject that all students can enjoy and thrive in. Let’s move on to how you can make a real difference in your classroom.
How to make maths lessons fun In Your Classroom
Maths can often feel like a subject that’s difficult to engage with, but creating a fun and interactive learning environment can make a world of difference. By incorporating hands-on activities, games, and creative problem-solving exercises, you can encourage your students to view maths as an exciting and rewarding challenge rather than a daunting task.
Making lessons enjoyable not only helps with understanding but also boosts confidence and sparks a real interest in the subject. Below are six practical ideas that we use at our KS3 Maths Field Trip to bring maths to life in the classroom and foster a love for learning.
1. Make it a game!
Who doesn’t love a good game? Incorporating games into your lessons can make maths more fun, exciting and collaborative. Plus, students often build extra skills like teamwork and communication along the way.
Here are some fun ideas:
- Maths Jeopardy is a great way to review concepts. Divide the class into teams and create categories like Addition, Fractions, or Word Problems, with questions increasing in difficulty and points (e.g., 100 to 500). For example, under Fractions for 200, you might ask, “Simplify 4/8.” Teams take turns picking questions, and others can “buzz in” to steal points if a team gets it wrong.
- Sudoku is another engaging activity. Originating in 18th-century Switzerland, this logic-based puzzle requires players to fill grids with numbers, ensuring each row, column, and sub-grid contains all digits without repetition. While it doesn’t involve arithmetic, it strengthens logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills—all essential for maths. Start with simpler grids and gradually increase complexity to build confidence.
- Dominoes, a game dating back to 13th-century China, is ideal for reinforcing arithmetic. Players match tiles based on the number of dots, creating opportunities for mental maths practice. For instance, students can calculate sums or differences between connected tiles or aim to reach a specific target number. This interactive game encourages quick thinking and develops number skills in a fun way.
Games are also great for breaking the ice with students who might otherwise feel apprehensive about participating in class. The element of play makes maths feel less intimidating and more approachable.
2. Bring In Technology
Technology has revolutionised maths education, making lessons more interactive and engaging. In the past, students learned mainly through traditional methods, passively absorbing information. Today, digital tools allow them to explore concepts visually, receive instant feedback, and learn at their own pace.
Platforms like BBC Bitesize and Photomath provide step-by-step solutions, while interactive tools like Desmos and GeoGebra help students experiment with mathematical concepts. These resources cater to different learning styles, making maths more accessible both in and outside the classroom.
For digital-native students, technology isn’t just a tool—it’s how they learn. By integrating tech into maths lessons, educators can boost engagement, improve understanding, and create a more personalised learning experience.
Some great tools to explore include:
- BBC Bitesize: Free lessons and quizzes on a wide range of maths topics, tailored to different skill levels. This is especially useful for providing additional support outside the classroom.
- Photomath: An app that scans and explains problems step by step—perfect for tricky equations or for students who need a bit of extra help.
- Desmos: A visual graphing calculator that’s fantastic for visual learners. It’s especially engaging for teaching concepts like functions and transformations.
- Interactive Whiteboards: Use tools like Smart Boards to create drag-and-drop activities, interactive quizzes, or real-time graph plotting.
By embracing technology, you can cater to different learning styles and keep students engaged with dynamic, hands-on activities. It’s also a fantastic way to prepare students for a tech-driven world.
3. Use Real-Life Examples
Maths becomes so much more meaningful when students see how it applies to their everyday lives. Whether it’s calculating shopping discounts or measuring ingredients for a recipe, real-life examples make maths relatable and practical.
Try these ideas:
- Budget a trip: Teach percentages and addition through planning a holiday. Let students calculate travel costs, accommodation expenses, and food budgets. Add in challenges like choosing the best deals or working within a set budget.
- Sports stats: Use player performance data to explain averages and ratios. This is particularly engaging for sports enthusiasts who might otherwise feel disconnected from the subject.
- Architecture: Explore geometry by designing a simple house plan. Students can calculate dimensions, areas, and even the costs of materials.
Another way to highlight the importance of maths is to invite guest speakers from industries like finance, engineering, or technology to share how they use maths in their careers. When students see the relevance of maths, they’re more likely to feel motivated and invested in the subject.
4. Celebrate Their Wins
Building confidence is a key factor in helping students enjoy maths. Research has shown that when students feel recognised for their efforts, they are more likely to stay motivated and develop a positive attitude towards the subject. In fact, studies highlight that positive reinforcement can significantly improve a student’s academic performance and overall mindset. By celebrating achievements—both big and small—students begin to associate maths with positive experiences, making them more likely to engage with it willingly.
Recognising milestones such as mastering a new concept or solving a challenging problem can have a profound impact on a student’s self-esteem. Acknowledging their efforts helps foster a growth mindset, where students believe that their abilities can improve through hard work and perseverance.
Simple actions like offering praise, giving out certificates, or even a public acknowledgement can go a long way in helping students feel valued and supported. This positive reinforcement encourages them to tackle new challenges with confidence, making the learning process much more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Ways to celebrate success:
- Showcase their work: Create a “Maths Stars” board to display standout work. You could even rotate the display weekly to give everyone a chance to shine.
- Set up a reward system: Certificates, stickers, or tokens can go a long way in motivating students. For older students, consider giving out small privileges like extra break time.
- Track progress: Show students how far they’ve come over time, it’s a real confidence booster. Use charts, graphs, or even personal progress journals to make their growth tangible.
Positive reinforcement not only boosts confidence but also fosters a growth mindset. When students see their efforts being recognised, they’re more likely to push themselves further and tackle challenges with enthusiasm.
5. Encourage Questions and Communication
A supportive classroom environment can help students overcome their fears. Let them know it’s okay to ask questions and make mistakes—it’s all part of the learning process!
Here’s how:
- Host Q&A sessions: Dedicate time for students to ask about tricky topics. This can be done as a whole class or in smaller groups for more personalised attention.
- Get parents involved: Share strategies parents can use to help at home. This could include providing access to online resources or encouraging them to practice maths through everyday activities like cooking or shopping.
- Foster group discussions: Peer learning encourages students to share ideas and perspectives. Group activities, like solving puzzles together, can help students learn from one another and build confidence in their abilities.
When students feel heard and supported, they’re much more likely to embrace maths. Open communication builds trust and fosters a positive learning environment.
6. Get Creative and Hands-On
Interactive, hands-on lessons are highly effective for grabbing students’ attention and making complex concepts easier to understand. For visual and kinesthetic learners—who thrive on seeing and doing—engaging both sides of the brain through physical activities can improve memory and deepen comprehension.
Studies show that taking part in activities that use your hands can actually help you solve problems, so it is perfect for a maths setting! Incorporating creative activities, like building shapes with modelling clay or using interactive tools, encourages problem-solving and fosters curiosity. By making maths lessons more interactive, students develop a stronger, more enjoyable connection to the subject.
Activity ideas include:
- Build 3D models: Use geometry to construct shapes or structures. For example, students could design and build a bridge or tower using materials like paper or straws.
- Tell stories: Turn maths problems into fun narratives. For instance, “You’re a treasure hunter and need to solve these equations to find the hidden gold!”
- Take it outdoors: Try measuring the height of trees, calculating distances, or even plotting coordinates on a school field. Outdoor activities make maths feel fresh and exciting.
Hands-on activities make maths engaging and memorable. Plus, research shows that interactive learning improves long-term understanding!
The Role of Maths in Everyday Life
Maths is everywhere—from budgeting and shopping to designing skyscrapers and saving lives. Many dream careers, from engineering and finance to sports and technology, rely on strong maths skills. Helping students see these connections can boost motivation and engagement in the classroom.
How Maths Powers Popular Careers
- Engineering – Engineers use maths to solve real-world problems, whether designing bridges, aircraft, or electrical systems. Example careers: Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Aerospace Engineer
- Finance – Managing money, predicting market trends, and assessing risks all require maths. Example careers: Accountant, Financial Analyst, Actuary
- Healthcare – From calculating drug dosages to analysing medical data, maths plays a vital role in healthcare. Example careers: Pharmacologist, Medical Statistician, Biomedical Engineer
- Technology – Maths powers coding, AI, and cybersecurity, shaping the digital world we live in. Example careers: Software Developer, Data Scientist, AI Engineer Sports & Performance Analysis – From tracking player stats to optimising athletic performance, maths is key in sports. Example careers: Sports Analyst, Biomechanist, Statistician
By linking maths to exciting careers like game development, space exploration, and professional sports, students can see its real-world value—making the subject more engaging and relevant to their future goals.
Book a maths field trip with PGL!
Taking learning outside the classroom can be an exhilarating experience for students. Our PGL KS3 Math Camp programme offers an excellent opportunity for students to explore mathematical concepts in a whole new way!
From collecting data through surveys and observation to using symbols, diagrams and graphs in popular on-site adventure activities, our maths field trips offer hands-on learning experiences that a simple textbook cannot teach.
So, if you’re ready for adventure, check out our variety of residential school trips for primary schools and secondary schools. We also have a new teamwork-building programme, REACH – UNITE! for Year 6, designed to boost confidence in building relationships. Additionally, we offer Revision Weekends to help students feel more prepared and confident for their upcoming exams!
Get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today to see how we can help!
