The general feeling of learning math and the attitude change that coincides with it is unbelievable when kids understand the meaning behind their learning. One of the ways I try to accomplish this task is by assigning a project called Home Improvement. With this project, the kids are given the job of redecorating any one room in their house the way they would like to have it done. In order to do this, the students must follow certain criteria which ensure that they will have to use each of the key math concepts and calculations this project is reinforcing. They can pick any room in the house to decorate.
Most kids usually choose their own bedrooms, but some do pick other rooms.
They must carpet or tile the floors, wallpaper or panel at least one wall, paint the ceiling and remaining walls, and put up a border or chair rail. After spending the money on these necessary items, they can spend the remaining money on items they would like to get for themselves to improve their room. To get started, the kids are given a list with four steps that they must fulfill. The first step is to write out a plan sheet. This is generally a 1-2 page written list of all the possible plans the student has thought up.