Sizzle Math Problem Solving

Why?!  In my experience, students are being taught the how to solve a problem using the standard algorithms, but not the why and a variety of methods for arriving to a solution.  For many math concepts there are many ways to arrive at the correct answer.  As a student myself, I feel that teachers are reluctant to teach different methods because they were not taught that way and might feel nervous teaching something they are not familiar with. 

Math is a thinking process not just memorization.  Students look at math as a bunch of formulas to memorize instead of making sense of it.  Students should be allowed the freedom to solve problems in their own ways as long as it will work consistently.  Allowing students to share their thinking and methods could be beneficial to other students and even yourself as a teacher.  I myself have walked away from lessons with students being amazed by their thinking and variety of approaches they take to solve the same problem.    

Students are lacking the ability to think through and problem solve.  They are also lacking confidence in their abilities in math and thinking process.  Students look at math as meaningless and they are not seeing how it relates to them and life.  Teachers should guide students through the process of becoming thinkers, make math interesting, and relate it to everyday life.  There is so much out there!

It is always fun to hook students in by incorporating fun songs, chants, raps, and riddles to get the whole brain engaged.  Here is an entertaining rap to introduce steps for math problem solving. 

Sizzle (For Math Problem Solving)

Hey 5th graders, (Hey What)

Hey 5th graders, (Hey What)

Let me show you, show you,

How to Sizzle, Sizzle

How to Sizzle Sizzle

First you read it read it

(First you read it read it)

Then you plan it plan it

(Then you plan it plan it)

Then you solve it solve it

(Then you solve it solve it)

Then you Sizzle, Sizzle

Then you Sizzle, Sizzle

Ssssssssssssssssssssss!