Integer Fear Factor

Do you ever find yourself struggling to teach how integers work? Students see the number line and the negative numbers seem to be getting larger, but they just don't quite grasp that their value is getting smaller as the number continues to the left.

My favorite math book author is Danica McKellar.  She writes books aimed at helping girls conquer their fear of math.  When she introduces integers, she calls them "mint-gers" in her book, "Kiss My Math".  She refers to the value of negative integers like the flavors of Harry Potter Jelly Beans.  If you are unfamiliar with the flavors, they range from earthworm, vomit, rotten egg, skunk, and so forth.

Use this lesson to help your student really grasp what's going on, but one word of caution....don't do it unless you are willing to jump in there and do it too!  It's not fun unless the tutor is eating the jellybeans right along with them.  It could be one fun game of dare between you two. 

I created a freebie for you that tells you how to play Integer Fear Factor with your students.  This would be one lesson they would never forget!  Get it from my blog shop by dragging it to the shopping bag on the right.

Integer Fear Factor

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