19/04/2018 How can we use humour in maths lessons?

https://storify.com/ncetm/how-can-we-use-humour-in-maths-lessons.html 1/16

How can we use humour in maths lessons?This week's chat discussed how important is using humour in teaching with pointers to resources, as well as

lots of maths jokes. The chronological account of the chat is below, with some of the ideas highlighted.

by ncetm 4 years ago

LAURA T @MATHSATSCHOOL · 4 YEARS AGO

I'm going to make an 'early entry' for #mathscpdchat - am taking this fine book in tomoz to show

my FSMQ's pic.twitter.com/mhd8xV6kbI

19/04/2018 How can we use humour in maths lessons?

https://storify.com/ncetm/how-can-we-use-humour-in-maths-lessons.html 2/16

LAURA T @MATHSATSCHOOL · 4 YEARS AGO

#mathscpdchat pic.twitter.com/VpYBUEcItQ

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

@mathsatschool brilliant ... #mathscpdchat

Links to some maths based humour

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

Right ... let's kick this off ... best maths jokes? #justforfun dont forget to use the hashtag ...#mathscpdchat

Cav@srcav

4 YEARS AGO

Amusing exam answers #mathscpdchat wp.me/p2z9Lp-8X

19/04/2018 How can we use humour in maths lessons?

https://storify.com/ncetm/how-can-we-use-humour-in-maths-lessons.html 3/16

Cav@srcav

4 YEARS AGO

Some film and TV maths based humour #mathscpdchat wp.me/p2z9Lp-8t

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

@srcav funny but like you say also infuriating (sometimes though these type of things are thehighlight of my day!) ... #mathscpdchat

mm@kingston314

4 YEARS AGO

@Just_Maths complete the work in steps and avoid a tragedy. #mathscpdchat

El_TimbreEm@El_Timbre

4 YEARS AGO

@mathsatschool I HAVE THAT BOOK!!!! #mathscpdchat

Cav@srcav

4 YEARS AGO

Consistency, humour and well planned lessons #mathscpdchat wp.me/p2z9Lp-4C

19/04/2018 How can we use humour in maths lessons?

https://storify.com/ncetm/how-can-we-use-humour-in-maths-lessons.html 4/16

JUSTMATHS @JUST_MATHS · 4 YEARS AGO

this tickles me every time I open my cupboard ... courtesy of @El_Timbre #mathscpdchat

pic.twitter.com/ci9JVoHwde

Cav@srcav

4 YEARS AGO

My Y13s still have a good laugh at the poor girl mentioned here! #mathscpdchat wp.me/p2z9Lp-8S

El_TimbreEm@El_Timbre

4 YEARS AGO

@Just_Maths It's on my classroom door =D #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

I've used the vectors clip with year 12 ... they were not impressed :-( @srcav #mathscpdchat

19/04/2018 How can we use humour in maths lessons?

https://storify.com/ncetm/how-can-we-use-humour-in-maths-lessons.html 5/16

Cav@srcav

4 YEARS AGO

@Just_Maths really? Mine all loved it! #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

@kingston314 is that the best you can do? #mathscpdchat

mathsatschoolLaura T@mathsatschool

4 YEARS AGO

Whilst I think that I'm oh so funny, I really can never remember jokes on demand.#mathscpdchat Do ALL maths teachers think they are funny?

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

I only see them once a week for M1 and they hadn't quite got my sense of humour (or lack of!)#mathscpdchat @srcav

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

INTERESTING QUESTION ... I suspect so ...and probably because we are! @mathsatschool#mathscpdchat

Maths Jokes

mm@kingston314

4 YEARS AGO

@Just_Maths LOL. Yes... Sent a student to another class for a short weight today#mathscpdchat

19/04/2018 How can we use humour in maths lessons?

https://storify.com/ncetm/how-can-we-use-humour-in-maths-lessons.html 6/16

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

my hubbie used to get apprentices to get "stripey pain", "sky hooks", "a bag of sparks for thewelder" etc @kingston314 #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

@kingston314 paint not pain!! obviously #mathscpdchat

JAYNESUZANNE @MATHSEGEE · 4 YEARS AGO

#mathscpdchat I often email the dept on Mondays with a photo to make them smile. Here was

yesterday's offering pic.twitter.com/vV2JxMoPvk

Jaynesuzanne@mathsegee

4 YEARS AGO

#mathscpdchat I also use then as my freeze board between lessons... gets pupils into the room!!

19/04/2018 How can we use humour in maths lessons?

https://storify.com/ncetm/how-can-we-use-humour-in-maths-lessons.html 7/16

JUSTMATHS @JUST_MATHS · 4 YEARS AGO

Used this as a hook into a lesson on symmetry .. great reaction ... any suggestions for other topic?

#mathscpdchat pic.twitter.com/CthHN3CMtK

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

what a great idea !! ... @mathsegee #mathscpdchat

JOHN SMITH @HODTEACHER · 4 YEARS AGO

#mathscpdchat the dafter the better http://t.co/puiGgqyM60

#mathscpdchat the dafter the better pic.twitter.com/puiGgqyM60

El_TimbreEm@El_Timbre

4 YEARS AGO

@Just_Maths My answer? Bring Galdalf into EVERYTHING|!! #mathscpdchat

JOHN SMITH @HODTEACHER · 4 YEARS AGO

#mathscpdchat http://t.co/lD0fROsp8s

#mathscpdchat pic.twitter.com/lD0fROsp8s

19/04/2018 How can we use humour in maths lessons?

https://storify.com/ncetm/how-can-we-use-humour-in-maths-lessons.html 8/16

Jaynesuzanne@mathsegee

4 YEARS AGO

#mathscpdchat #mathsca colleague has "sdrawkcab" on his classroom door.....

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

I like that one!! @HoDTeacher #mathscpdchat

EM @EL_TIMBRE · 4 YEARS AGO

#mathscpdchat I write a newsletter for my y12&13 students every week. I always include a maths

cartoon. This week's: pic.twitter.com/BMhHuxKamL

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

I had to think about that! @El_Timbre #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

I did esrever segatnecrep last week! @mathsegee #mathscpdchat

19/04/2018 How can we use humour in maths lessons?

https://storify.com/ncetm/how-can-we-use-humour-in-maths-lessons.html 9/16

How important to have a sense of humour when teaching

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

How important is it to have a sense of humour when teaching in general? #mathscpdchat

The Maths Magpie@TheMathsMagpie

4 YEARS AGO

LOL I have no idea what the topic is tonight #mathscpdchat #mathsjokes

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

@missradders we used batmans logo and then designed our own with different orders ofsymmetry . #mathscpdchat

The Maths Magpie@TheMathsMagpie

4 YEARS AGO

@Just_Maths The ability to laugh at myself is pretty important! #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

@TheMathsMagpie yep ... humour in maths ... jokes best/worst? #mathscpdchat

El_TimbreEm@El_Timbre

4 YEARS AGO

@Just_Maths It enables you to strengthen the connection you have with your students#mathscpdchat

Cav@srcav

4 YEARS AGO

@Just_Maths "the number you are calling is imaginary, rotate the handset 90 degrees and tryagain" #mathscpdchat

19/04/2018 How can we use humour in maths lessons?

https://storify.com/ncetm/how-can-we-use-humour-in-maths-lessons.html 10/16

mm@kingston314

4 YEARS AGO

@Just_Maths Very, some kids needs to know that you human too. My school is inner city. Someof the kids need it. #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

@TheMathsMagpie I'd say essential ... I mean to laugh at myself ... not you! .. oh dear .. digginga hole! #mathscpdchat

Maths4ukplcMaths4ukplc@Maths4ukplc

4 YEARS AGO

I was introduced by @Maxthemaths to the student Ivor Cockup. Al his answers aremisconceptions Y11-Y13 love it #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

I've found humour sometimes helps to diffuse "situations" too @kingston314 #mathscpdchat

19/04/2018 How can we use humour in maths lessons?

https://storify.com/ncetm/how-can-we-use-humour-in-maths-lessons.html 11/16

THE MATHS MAGPIE @THEMATHSMAGPIE · 4 YEARS AGO

Has anyone shared this maths chart yet? #mathscpdchat pic.twitter.com/QLHScD3JXR

Maths4ukplcMaths4ukplc@Maths4ukplc

4 YEARS AGO

On "favourite no's" I always put a crying face to emphasise the misconception. Smiley faces usedfor correct solution. #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

I love that idea ! @Maths4ukplc @Maxthemaths #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

they have now .. you! @TheMathsMagpie #mathscpdchat

Cav@srcav

4 YEARS AGO

.@Just_Maths very, helps build relationships, diffuse tension, make your day more enjoyable!#mathscpdchat

19/04/2018 How can we use humour in maths lessons?

https://storify.com/ncetm/how-can-we-use-humour-in-maths-lessons.html 12/16

Maths4ukplcMaths4ukplc@Maths4ukplc

4 YEARS AGO

All ss encouraged to be on maths bus. If they master topic they drivie;sometimes go back; falloff;get back on and get there #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

students love anything a bit risqué - this was on board - HT did a showaround! (smartassessment!!) ..oops! @Maths4ukplc #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

absolutely agree .. we spend too much time at work not to enjoy it and laughing is part of thatequation (!) #mathscpdchat @srcav

THE MATHS MAGPIE @THEMATHSMAGPIE · 4 YEARS AGO

Who is the missing person in the venn diagram? #mathscpdchat pic.twitter.com/A0UMitrv3Y

19/04/2018 How can we use humour in maths lessons?

https://storify.com/ncetm/how-can-we-use-humour-in-maths-lessons.html 13/16

The Maths Magpie@TheMathsMagpie

4 YEARS AGO

@Just_Maths @Maths4ukplc Love it! #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

any others good'uns for us then? @fredjrex #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

@TheMathsMagpie @Maths4ukplc ..almost ran out to them to explain then realised I'd look anidiot (more than usual!) #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

ooh ... I cant work it out .. am I being REALLY REALLY dim!! @TheMathsMagpie#mathscpdchat

The Maths Magpie@TheMathsMagpie

4 YEARS AGO

Teaching weekend revision on a small island off the north of Wales and loved seeing how manytimes I could mention 'Angle C' #mathscpdchat

The Maths Magpie@TheMathsMagpie

4 YEARS AGO

@Just_Maths No chance of me giving out the answer yet...... #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

I wonder if there are any other "mathsey" places that you'd be able to do the same?@TheMathsMagpie #mathscpdchat

19/04/2018 How can we use humour in maths lessons?

https://storify.com/ncetm/how-can-we-use-humour-in-maths-lessons.html 14/16

El_TimbreEm@El_Timbre

4 YEARS AGO

@Just_Maths @TheMathsMagpie Doing stats... yi... HOURS OF LAUGHTER! #mathscpdchat

The Maths Magpie@TheMathsMagpie

4 YEARS AGO

@El_Timbre @Just_Maths That made me chuckle out loud #mathscpdchat

The Maths Magpie@TheMathsMagpie

4 YEARS AGO

@srcav @Just_Maths No but not a bad guess! #mathscpdchat

shahlockManan Shah@shahlock

4 YEARS AGO

@TheMathsMagpie :) well then my only other guess is "an awfully stoned first-year burglarlooking to be a roommate" ... #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

@El_Timbre @TheMathsMagpie @srcav you would!! #mathscpdchat

19/04/2018 How can we use humour in maths lessons?

https://storify.com/ncetm/how-can-we-use-humour-in-maths-lessons.html 15/16

THE MATHS MAGPIE @THEMATHSMAGPIE · 4 YEARS AGO

I like this algebra one. The oldies are always the goodies #mathscpdchat

pic.twitter.com/DiX5F6plqh

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

and thats all folks ... thank you!! Full account tomorrow on @NCETM site #mathscpdchat I'll bearound for a little while ;-)

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

that still makes me chuckle... @fredjrex but so does: why was 6 afraid of 7? cos 7 "ate" 9#mathscpdchat #ilikecornyjokes

Maths4ukplcMaths4ukplc@Maths4ukplc

4 YEARS AGO

Ta 4 tonight's chat + hosting from @justmaths Good to feel we are on similar planes; oftenseems in parallel imaginary world #mathscpdchat

Just_MathsJustMaths@Just_Maths

4 YEARS AGO

@srcav haha that is clever!! #mathscpdchat

19/04/2018 How can we use humour in maths lessons?

https://storify.com/ncetm/how-can-we-use-humour-in-maths-lessons.html 16/16

Billyads_47Billy Adamson@Billyads_47

4 YEARS AGO

@Just_Maths #mathscpdchat what name is given when half a bus disappears?? A decagon!(Currently cringing, looks worse written down!!)