Mrs. Bledman’s sixth-grade class recently engaged in a fun and imaginative math activity called “My Favorite Number.” The goal was to ease students into math by showing them that math can be enjoyable and even spark creativity. Students explored prime numbers, composite numbers, factors, multiples, and different ways of doing prime factorization, including the tree method and ladder method.
Each student then chose their favorite method and number and then applied what they learned to a special project called “My Favorite Number.” They created colorful posters that showcased not only their mathematical reasoning but also their personal connection to their chosen number.
One student chose the number 30 because they like to do 30 different things each month. They also tied that into math facts, such as 30 being an even and composite number.
Another chose the prime number 13 because it is Taylor Swift’s lucky number, explaining that they prefer the ladder method of factorization.
“I like to have my students do something creative to address the math fear that some may have,” said Mrs. Bledman. “This activity encouraged students to see the fun side of math and helped them grow more comfortable with numbers and various mathematical concepts.”