Teacher turns lessons into games, competitions and instant quizzes for primary pupils

Maths lessons at Al Salam Primary Girls School are taking a different approach, with pupils competing for classroom titles including “Queen of Mental Arithmetic” and “Queen of Mathematics”.

Teacher Ghaida Zubair Al Askari uses the roles, along with games, competitions and practical activities, to encourage pupils to participate and take responsibility during lessons. She said each class follows a structured process that moves from preparation and practice to competition and assessment.

“I begin the lesson with an opening activity that gets the pupils thinking and brings back what they already know,” she said. “Then I present the concept through practical activities they take part in directly, using number tools such as number fans, counting sticks and number cards.”

Pupils then apply what they have learned through tasks and discussions before completing an instant assessment to identify their level of understanding and areas where they need further support.

Technology is also incorporated through Quizizz Paper Mode, which allows pupils to answer using printed cards that can be scanned to assess their performance during the lesson.

The classroom leadership roles give pupils opportunities to participate, demonstrate their mathematical skills and take responsibility in different activities.

Pupils Hawra Hussain Khudhair and Fatima Mohammed Al Mawali said the variety of activities and learning tools had increased their engagement and made maths a subject they enjoy.

The approach reflects wider efforts by teachers in government schools to use interactive teaching methods, with support and follow-up from the Ministry of Education.