No Series: "Switch the Sign": An Algebra Song

"Switch the Sign": An Algebra Song

Lesson Objective: Sing about dividing and multiplying equations by negative numbers

Grades 7-8 / Math / Equations

2 MIN

Discussion
Supporting Materials

Thought starters

How does Ms. Warburton make this song interactive?
What effect does Ms. Warburton's silliness have on class dynamics?
How will this song help students solve math problems?

17 Comments

Andrew Sutherland Nov 18, 2020 2:36am

I like how she makes the class comical, but this is a good technique to have because science has shown that music allows people to remember things better. I still remember some of the 10-word math songs my teacher taught us in the 3rd grade. Honestly, I would probably be embarsed to do this, but it seems like the kids get into it, so it's awsome to be creative and try new things.

Recommended (0)

Cynthia Slaton Aug 31, 2016 11:52am

I love that she says, it's ok to be silly. That helps the kids relate.

Recommended (0)

R Smith Jan 18, 2015 8:59am

I love Richard Griffiths constructive words. The students need to understand the how and why. This clarification is important for those who are not mathematically analytic. Comprehension and understanding of the concept to the higher depth and breath is what I hope to see in our teaching. This is what will make our nation stronger for the long term.

Recommended (0)

SOFIA BETANCUR Aug 13, 2014 12:30pm

I love it! It's okay to think we are silly; that is what makes us unique and therefore, shine! You song will be used in my silly classroom as well. Thank you for sharing. :-)

Recommended (0)

Vicki Collaro Mar 6, 2014 11:29am

I like silly stuff too, but where is the mathematics in using the song? How does this assist them in an understanding of the inverse property?

Recommended (0)

Materials

Transcripts

MathSong: Switch the Sign Program Transcript

I put rhythm in math class

[sings]
[00:00:11]
These little tunes are silly

[sings]

[00:00:17]
I try to

View More

MathSong: Switch the Sign Program Transcript

I put rhythm in math class

[sings]
[00:00:11]
These little tunes are silly

[sings]

[00:00:17]
I try to make the really dull things in the classroom just sing songey, for fun for me and for the kids and they often sing along.

[sings]

[00:00:34]
Then after I’ve sung the silly song so they don’t get the problems wrong then later I can say if you divide both sides by a negative, and they say “switch the sign”

[00:00:50]
Three different things that you can do to switch to sign. So usually I sing a whole verse with just one of them ….

[00:01:14]
Silly, I know. But it’s fun.

[00:01:22]
I’m not as self-conscious as I used to be. I realized that nothing bad happens to you when you sing.

[00:01:31]
Students: Switch the sign!

² end of transcript

View Less