I’m Trying to Love Math – Letters of Encouragement

Lesson Title: I’m Trying to Love Math – Letters of Encouragement

Grade(s): K-5

ASCA Standards:

• A:A1.2 Display a positive interest in learning
• A:A2.2 Demonstrate how effort and persistence positively affect learning
• A:A3.5 Share knowledge
• A:B2.6 Understand the relationship between classroom performance and success in school
• A:C1.6 Understand how school success and academic achievement enhance future career and vocational opportunities

Learning Objectives:

• Students will understand the importance of learning math and its effect on their future
• Students will be able to simplify and share their knowledge on the importance of math and its impact on success with a student that is younger than them
• Students will be able to use encouraging words to help others

Materials:

• Worksheet from https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Friendly-Letter-Template-702225

Lesson:

This lesson is best for older students, such as grades 3-5. Begin by introducing and reading the book I’m Trying to Love Math by Bethany Barton.

Discussion:

• Why is it important to learn math?
• Why is it important to learn things, even if it is difficult and challenging?
• What impact does math have on our future?

Ask students if they remember learning something difficult for the first time.

• Why is something difficult the first time you try to learn/practice it?
• What kinds of things help you when something is difficult?
• asking for help
• using resources (teachers, friends, parents, internet, textbook, etc.)
• paying attention
• taking notes
• taking a deep breath or other relaxation techniques
• breaking problems into small pieces
• memorization (multiplication, formulas, and ways to solve problems)
• taking a break
• getting enough sleep
• eating a healthy meal
• perseverance
• encouragement

Explore different ways to encourage people and why encouraging words are important. Share that older students are role models for the younger students in the school and showing that they were able to learn math might help younger students to know that they will be able to learn it too. Ask students to write encouraging words on a paper. Provide an example and remind students what the format of the letter should be (beginning with To a student in ____’s class, introduction, main point, supporting evidence, words of encourage, wrap up/summary, closing).

Share the letters with K-2 classes.