Combining math and movement in the classroom effectively engages students’ minds and makes learning fun! This blog post will introduce two exciting cross-curricular activities that blend math concepts with physical literacy, providing educators with creative tools to enhance their students’ learning experience.
How Likely Is It…? – Physical Literacy and Estimation
Instructions:
- Explain the concept of estimation and introduce a simple scale for probability assessment.
- Pose engaging questions like “How likely is it a dragon will fly over our school today?” with three options: likely, neutral, or not likely.
- Assign specific movements to each option:
- Likely: Jumping jacks
- Neutral: Arm circles
- Not likely: Squats
Variations:
- For younger students (K-3), use a thumbs-up or thumbs-down scale instead of three options.
- Encourage students to create and share their probability questions, fostering critical thinking and creativity.
- For older students (4-7), explore more complex questions on a larger scale to deepen their understanding of probability.
Robins & Ravens – Numeracy Concepts and Physical Literacy
Instructions:
- Divide students into groups of 9, with 8 Robins and 1 Raven in each group.
- Provide each Robin with a nest (Dixie cup) and a bag of sunflower seeds or dried beans.
- Robins must collect three seeds/beans to feed one baby robin. The student who feeds the most babies wins.
- Ravens, with their eyes covered, count to 30 while Robins hide their nests in the outdoor schoolyard.
- Robins collect seeds and return to their nests to hide them. Ravens search for the nests and steal seeds to return to their team nest.
Numeracy Concepts:
- Primary Level: Students practice estimation, grouping, counting, and skip-counting while counting their seeds.
- Intermediate Level: Students explore multiplication and division as they sort seeds and calculate their total number and the number of babies they can feed.
Variations:
- Enhance physical literacy by having students perform exercises (e.g., jumping jacks) to receive their seeds.
- Introduce science concepts by altering ratios to discuss ecosystems and predator/prey relationships with different animals.
Integrating math and movement through cross-curricular activities fosters a fun and enriching learning environment for students. These engaging activities promote physical literacy and enhance numeracy skills, critical thinking, and teamwork. As educators, embracing the power of movement and math empowers us to create dynamic learning experiences that leave a lasting impact on our student’s academic journeys.
For more cross-curricular activities and resources that promote physical literacy and empower educators, download our Cross-curricular Activities resource, and sign up for PLAYBuilder (free to B.C. educators) today!