Six Strategies to Boost Math Engagement with Unruly Splats
Hope Badanes
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Ready to revamp your classroom? Let’s get unruly! Unruly Splats are colorful floor tiles that light up, track points, and trigger sounds. Using a simple Bluetooth connection, they link to any device and allow students to play interactive games. Get the class out of their seat while boosting STEM skills and student engagement. Splats are a cross-curricular solution that integrates into a variety of subjects, including ELA, music, science, and coding. If you’re an educator who’s struggling to keep students motivated, Unruly Splats are the perfect solution! Here are six strategies to boost math engagement with Unruly Splats!

Ready to shake up your math program? Here are six strategies:
1. Three-Act Tasks
Math can tell a story! This engaging method, created by Dan Meyer, uses captivating visuals to spark curiosity and collaboration. Each word problem is broken down into three “acts”. Act 1 uses videos to set the stage for the problem. The second act involves forming a discussion about the potential solutions. Act 3 is the big finale, where the answer is revealed through multimedia. Using this method, combined with Splats, can boost math engagement in the classroom.
2. The Three-Reads Protocol
Simplify math problems! The Three-Reads Protocol is a structured approach that clarifies complex word problems by having students read them three times, each with different goals. The first read focuses on understanding the context, the second dives into identifying the numbers, and the final read focuses on solving the equation. With this method, your class will become confident and engaged with math-related vocabulary.
3. Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) framework
This three-stage instructional approach helps students grasp mathematical concepts. Each stage deepens their understanding and boosts math engagement. The Concrete (C) stage uses physical objects or manipulatives. For example, using colored chips to help with fractions. The Representational (R) stage uses drawings, and the Abstract (A ) stage uses operation symbols such as, “+” for addition, to model math concepts. The CRA framework ensures students build a solid foundation before taking on challenging tasks.
4. Tape diagrams
Organize information and visualize math! Tape diagrams work for any type of word problem. Simply draw a line of boxes and fill them in with the amounts listed in the problem. Tape diagrams help break down the equation into parts and help students gain confidence.
5. Vocabulary building
Work vocabulary into math! Use tools like word walls, student-made vocabulary books, and anchor charts. Bringing language lessons into math motivates students and ensures that they can easily decode problems.
6. Gamifying math with movement
No more math anxiety! Gamify your class by completing hands-on activities and playing interactive games. Have students run in relay races, solve puzzles, or even create math board games. Unruly Splats uses programs like Unruly Math to integrate kinesthetic learning into your curriculum and reinforce math skills through active play.
Why do These Strategies Work?
Combining the power of Splats with these six strategies will boost math engagement. Splats raise academic confidence, encourage collaboration, reduce screen time, and foster a love for learning math! Kickstart your coding adventure and bring learning into play. Unruly Splats enable a positive mindset around math, which leads to lower absences and forms a comfortable learning environment.
To go even further, you can unite SMART’s interactive flat panel with Unruly Splats. Display target numbers on SMART’s screen, while students stomp on Splats to solve the equation! Ready to transform your classroom? Check out our OTIS for educators course on “What If Play Was the Curriculum? The Case for Movement-Based Learning.” Code, connect, and play with Unruly Splats!
For more tips, tricks, and tools for teaching in and out of the classroom, check out more content on the Teq Talk blog or our YouTube channels OTIS for educators and Tequipment.
We also offer virtual professional development, training, and support with OTIS for educators. Explore the technology and strategies that spark student success — no matter where teaching or learning are happening!
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