Two exercises to make math fun!
Students learn differently, some connect with pencil and paper, others by watching and hearing examples, while some need to problem solve with trial and error to understand the process themselves. Looking for another approach? Help students connect with Math through physical activity! Combining movement with learning has a lot of positives. An active brain tends to catch on faster and remember things better. Combining math and movement is a great way to get kids excited about math and can improve their skills in the classroom.
PowerUp Fitness offers a variety of unique fitness programs! PowerUp programs are designed to provide children with the opportunity to become more active, physically and mentally. Learn more about us and our mission to PowerUp children's development with fitness and fun in our About Section!
PowerUp has many exercises that combine math and movement. Try the few below to get your kids excited about math and moving!
Math Relay
Separate participants into groups or teams and instruct each team to form a single file line. On the ‘go’ signal, the first participant from each line will run across the space to a
designated stopping point. The ‘runner’ must solve an addition/subtraction problem then run back and return to the end of their team’s line. The next team member must solve another problem and so on. Start with simple problems like 1+1 and 1+2 and build up. Once a team
reaches a certain problem, for example 1+19, all team members must do jumping jacks to demonstrate they are finished. The first team all doing jumping jacks wins! For older ages try multiplication/division problems!
Focus on Fractions and Telling Time
First, practice the two exercises below to get comfortable with the body positions. Then, use the Focus on Fractions and Telling Time queues to do the exercises for a specified amount of time or what we in the exercise world call, duration!
PLANK: Strengthen your core by doing a plank. Begin on the floor, face down. Position elbows below shoulders with forearms pointed forward. Balancing on toes and
elbows, lift knees and torso off the ground to begin the plank hold. (Imagine a pushup position on your elbows instead of your hands).
WALL SIT: Activate your lower body with a wall sit. Begin with your back against a wall, feet hip width apart. Slowly lower into a seated position using legs to hold your upper body against the wall. Remind participants to keep body weight in their heels and avoid placing hands on knees for too much support.
Allow participants to reference an analog clock, if needed.
“Let’s hold our plank for 1/5 of a minute. How many seconds will that be?”
For 12 seconds!
Other variations: 1/10 of a minute, 1/6th of a minute, 1/4 of a minute, etc.
You could even try adding and converting fractions! Hold the first plank for 1/4th of a minute and the second plank for 1/6th of a minute. Then ask, in total, how long did we hold the plank? 25 seconds!
“Let’s hold our wall sit for three quarter of a minute. How long will that be?”
45 seconds!
Other variations: half a minute, one quarter of a minute.
“Let’s start our plank when the second hand is on the 2 and hold it until it gets to the 8. How many seconds will this be?”
30 seconds!
Other variations: from the 3 to the 9, the 1 the 7, etc.
Download this printable pdf version of Moving with Math!
Did you enjoy these activities? Take a look at our activity bundles or even request sample lesson plans to learn more!
For 100’s of activities, games, and exercises that can be implemented in-person, virtually or at home, check out our PowerUp programs!
PowerUp Fitness is an Advocate Member of the National Afterschool Association and a proud partner of Active Schools.
