Maths with a Twist

Maths is not a lesson every child enjoys, so we decided to try something a little different to get a grasp on the concepts of area and perimeter, adding and subtraction of decimals, money and budgeting. The task was to design a tiny house, furnish it and make sure everything fits in. Students needed to ensure they had the basics; an oven and hot plates, bed, cupboards/storage and a bathroom.

I can honestly say I have a classroom full of great shoppers! Shouts of "Yes!!" were heard every time the students got to "shop" online and find a bargain. Parents should be excited at the skills these students have - they are great shoppers and fantastic bargain hunters!!!

With a home measuring 7m x 3.5m x 3.5m not a lot fitted in, so decisions had to be made about what to insist on and what to give up on. Budgeting skills were fine tuned and the results were great. At the end of the unit, I asked the students to fill in a survey to see how they enjoyed this project, and I'm pleased to say than more than 90% of students not only loved doing maths this way and wanted to do it again, but also said they felt like they learned more doing it this way - GREAT NEWS!!!