Have you ever wondered how you can teach mathematical concepts like patterning and parallel lines, in a less-than-boring way?  Exploracise: GyMathtics combines math with exercise to do just that.

The 30-minute DVD walks students through a complete exercise routine, tying in math concepts all along the way.  The instructor offers additional information about the math concepts verbally, and visual aids are displayed on the screen.  This “system” is especially beneficial for kinesthetic learners, who may need to “be” parallel lines, or rays — or whatever — in order to really “get it.”

The math facts are targeted to a 1st-to-4th-grade age range.  The demonstrators, however, span a wider range than that.  (The youngest appears to be a preschooler or kindergartener; the oldest — apart from the instructor — appears to be a high schooler.)

My children enjoyed this, with one small exception.  The instructor sounds as though she’s working a little too hard to sound “chipper,” with every phrase ending on a raised pitch.  My girls and I found this slightly annoying, and wished she’d just stuck with a more natural enthusiasm borne from enjoyment of the subject.  This is a pretty minor detail, though, and well worth dealing with if you have a student as kinesthetic as my younger one. 🙂  Add it to your Workbox repertoire!

I suspect that even toddlers will begin picking up math facts as they exercise alongside their older siblings.  It’s a great way to make double use of your teaching time, as well!

What are your favorite outside-the-box math tools?

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the DVD above to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions expressed here are purely my own (and those of my family).