Frequently Asked Questions
Fun Factor is Bedtime Math Foundation’s groundbreaking math offering designed to complement any K-5 curriculum. Fun Factor brings math to life with visual, tactile activities designed to introduce students to new math concepts and to solidify their understanding of the fundamentals. By emphasizing the tangible before moving to the abstract, Fun Factor can help accelerate learning.
Developed in consultation with Columbia Teachers College, Fun Factor gives kids the thrill of victory as they master important concepts. Our professional development training shows teachers how to re-imagine math class and re-ignite kids’ love of learning.
Experiencing math through play activates regions of the brain that enable students to solidify math concepts that they don’t always grasp from worksheets. It also deepens their understanding and appreciation for math. It has been shown that math anxiety impedes learning. Hands-on play can reduce math anxiety, empowering students to achieve.
All activities address key grade-specific concepts, yet are designed to serve all students in the class, with variations that incorporate above- and below-grade level skills. We zero in on mathematical operations and concepts that many kids struggle with including place value, multiplication, division, fractions, and fluency with factors.
Activities can be purchased a la carte for groups of 4 students. Bedtime Math Foundation subsidizes the majority of the cost of Fun Factor as part of our nonprofit mission. Prices range from $3.95 to $15.95 with additional discounts available for qualified educators.
Teachers receive high-quality hands-on materials serving all their students, packaged for small groups. In addition, they will receive detailed digital resources, including Teacher Guides and editable Display Slides to use during instruction. Hands-on student materials vary from activity to activity, but may include items such as wax sticks, glowsticks, and colorful gameboards, and handouts printed on paper or cardstock.
Video tutorials are included with the purchase of each activity. The videos provide more detail about the math explored in each lesson and demonstrate highlights of the game. We also offer an introductory PD for an entire school or district which can be customized to meet your needs. Please contact funfactor@bedtimemath.org for more information.
Each Fun Factor activity explores one or two key skills in progressively more challenging layers, enabling teachers to give students as much or as little time as they need to master each concept. Lessons can be covered over a few days or spread out over weeks. Materials also can be brought home to continue the learning.
Absolutely! Fun Factor can ignite excitement about math for your entire school or district. If you are interested please email funfactor@bedtimemath.org for more information on pricing and support.
If you don’t see your question here, drop us a line at funfactor@bedtimemath.org.
