Beyond Numbers: Teaching Math Through Programming

Mathematics have always been fascinating to me. I remember watching my cousins solve equations of something they called "algebra" and my dad working with huge papers full of rows and columns to do "accounting." I was intrigued by how they used numbers and letters to find solutions.

He wanted to do the same as them, even though he barely recognized the numbers. But that didn't stop me. In Kindergarten, I set out to learn to master the skills needed to understand arithmetic. I will never forget the afternoon when I stood in front of my dad and told him firmly: "I know how to count. Now you can teach me how to add." His gaze said it all.

Over time, I began to notice that many of my classmates asked a recurring question in class: "What is math for?" The teacher, patiently, tried to answer, but her gaze reflected how difficult it is to explain, in a few words, something so vast.

Today, students are still asking the same question. For many, the abstract concepts they learn in class seem to have no relation to their daily lives. Algebra, trigonometry, probability, and statistics can be challenging when viewed only on paper.

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Connecting Math to Real Life

To transform math teaching, it is critical to introduce tangible and motivating tools. Programming is an excellent option, as it gives purpose to numbers, equations, and variables, turning them into tools of exploration rather than isolated concepts.

Programming: A Bridge Between Calculation and Creativity

When students program, they apply mathematical principles in practical and meaningful ways. Platforms like CodeMonkey integrate arithmetic, geometry, probability, and statistical skills into an interactive environment. While programming, students learn about algorithms, sequences, loops, functions, and variables, while also developing critical thinking, analysis skills, and collaboration.

For example, a fifth-grade teacher can use  CodeMonkey's "Dodo Does Math" course  to bring programming and math together in a fun way. During class, students face challenges in which they help Dodo, the main character, while practicing basic operations, fractions, and geometry.

The process is simple but effective: the teacher introduces the challenge of the day, then the students explore and solve the problems individually or in pairs. At the end, a group discussion allows them to reflect on their solutions and discover how mathematics is present in programming. This dynamic not only reinforces mathematical knowledge, but also introduces computational thinking in a natural and interactive way.