How Fun Learning Can Make You Smarter (Part 2)
In Part 1, we explored why many students struggle with learning and how different age groups need different approaches. Now, in Part 2, we’ll dive into:
✅ Step-by-step ways teachers and parents can make learning fun at every level
✅ More math-based examples that work in real classrooms
✅ How students can take charge of their own learning in a fun way
Ready? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Ways Teachers & Parents Can Make Learning Fun at Every Level
1. Primary School (Ages 5–11) - Turn Learning into Play!
At this stage, students love games, songs, and storytelling. They need hands-on learning.
✅ How to Teach Math the Fun Way
Use Real Objects – Instead of saying “2 + 3 = 5,” use biscuits, bottle caps, or toys.
Math Treasure Hunt – Hide numbers around the house or classroom and let kids find and add them up.
Sing Math Songs – Turn multiplication tables into a catchy tune.
🎯 Example
Instead of saying, “What is 4 + 2?”
Say: “You have 4 oranges, and I give you 2 more. How many do you have?” Then, let them count actual oranges!
✅ Result: Kids see math as part of real life, not just something in books.
2. Junior Secondary (Ages 12–15) - Turn Learning into a Challenge!
Teenagers love competition, teamwork, and real-world relevance.
✅ How to Teach Math the Fun Way
Math Escape Room – Give students a set of problems that lead to clues. Solving all correctly unlocks a “prize.”
Who Wants to Be a Math Millionaire? – Play a math quiz like the TV show, with students earning “points” for correct answers.
Real-Life Math Problems – Use examples from their lives:
“You buy sneakers for ₦15,000. If there’s a 20% discount, how much do you pay?”
🎯 Example
Instead of writing, “Solve 5x = 20,”
Say: “You bought 5 packs of spaghetti, and your total bill is ₦20,000. How much is one pack?”
✅ Result: Students connect math to daily life and become eager to learn.
3. Senior Secondary (Ages 16–18) - Turn Learning into Real-World Skills!
Older students need math that applies to their future, business, careers, and tech.
✅ How to Teach Math the Fun Way
Stock Market Simulation – Give students a “budget” and let them track stocks over a month.
Business Math – Teach profit and loss by making students design and “sell” a product.
Tech & Coding – Show how math is used in computer programming and AI.
🎯 Example
Instead of teaching compound interest with a formula, ask:
“If you save ₦100,000 at 5% annual interest, how much will you have in 5 years?” Let students calculate and compare different saving methods.
✅ Result: Math becomes a tool for success, not just something for exams.
More Math-Based Examples That Work in Real Classrooms
The “Math Chef” Game – Students measure ingredients and calculate proportions while making snacks.
Math Olympics – Students race to solve problems, earning points for accuracy and speed.
Budget Planning – Let students create a monthly budget for a pretend salary.
These methods turn abstract math into something real, making students excited to learn!
How Students Can Take Charge of Their Own Learning in a Fun Way
Fun learning isn’t just the teacher’s or parent’s job—students can make learning exciting for themselves too!
🎯 3 Ways Students Can Learn in a Fun Way
1. Turn Studying into a Game
✅ Use apps like Quizizz, Kahoot or 10MYTT study guides! to test yourself in a fun way.
✅ Challenge your friends
✅ Reward yourself after completing a set of math problems (e.g., “If I solve 5 questions, I get 5 minutes of music time”).
💡 Example:
Instead of forcing yourself to memorize formulas, create a Math Challenge Chart with rewards for each milestone!
2. Apply Math to Real Life
✅ Next time you're in the market, calculate total costs before the cashier does.
✅ If you're watching football, calculate a player’s goal-to-game ratio.
✅ Convert your daily screen time into percentages to track how much you use social media vs. studying.
💡 Example:
If you spend 3 hours on your phone daily out of 24 hours, what percentage of your day is that? (3/24 × 100 = 12.5%)
3. Learn with Friends
✅ Form a study group where each person explains a different topic.
✅ Teach someone younger—teaching helps you understand better!
✅ Set up a Math Battle where you time each other solving equations.
💡 Example:
During lunch, have a quick “Brain Teaser Time” with friends. Instead of talking only about movies or gossip, throw in a fun math puzzle!
Final Thoughts: A New Way to See Learning
Imagine a world where learning is as exciting as break time.
It all starts with changing how we see learning.
Teachers and parents, let’s make learning an adventure.
Students, take control and turn learning into fun.
Because the secret to being smart isn’t just studying hard it’s learning with joy.
So, tell me… What will YOU do to make learning fun today?