Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you recently purchased a product, or are just trying to learn more about movement-based learning, you might have a few more questions. Check out our FAQs below. Not seeing your question? Contact our team and we’ll get back to you soon!
Picture a student studying flashcards. Then, picture a student completing a worksheet.
You very likely pictured the student sitting at a desk. Traditionally, flashcards and worksheets are very sedentary activities. Students want to move and need to move. With Math & Movement, they can reap all the benefits that flashcards and worksheets offer while meeting PE requirements!
Our materials offer the repetitiveness needed to reinforce concepts (like skip counting) without the lesson becoming boring. When students’ bodies are active, their minds are active, too, and they’re more likely to stay fully engaged.
In fact, flashcards and worksheets can be used alongside our materials. Many of our activities include presenting problems on a flashcard or worksheet and using our materials and movements as tools to solve the problems.
Yes. Visit our State Standards page to view the alignment with several state standards.
We created an online database of our activities for those who have purchased materials. The database includes activity instructions, follow-along videos, worksheets, manipulatives, and printable activity guides. Learn more about the database here!
Customers will receive an email with access innformation after their purchase. Email us at info@mathandmovement.com if you cannot find this information.
Schools will receive unlimited access to our online activity database with their order. The database includes hundreds of ideas on how to use each one of our materials.
We also offer professional development training on kinesthetic strategies. Training is available in the form of in-person workshops or webinars.
We offer professional development training for staff on kinesthetic strategies and how to use Math & Movement. Training is available in the form of in-person workshops or webinars. You can also email us at workshops@mathandmovement.com for more information.
Math & Movement is mainly targeted towards PreK through fifth grade. Although, we do have several materials for higher grade levels, too. Students of all ages benefit from movement!
Children love to move – and they need to move. Only one in four children in the US are getting the recommended amount of daily physical exercise.
Sitting for long periods of time reduces circulation, which can make it harder for students to concentrate.
Incorporating movement into lessons can help by stimulating the release of dopamine and nonadrenaline – chemicals in the brain that play a role in focus, learning, and anxiety reduction.
Math & Movement can help students get the daily amount of physical activity they need, stay engaged in school, and learn new information better!
Math & Movement harnesses a child’s natural inclination for activity and turns it into enthusiasm for acquiring math and literacy skills. Thus, Math & Movement motivates students while simultaneously strengthening their academic abilities.
When faced with resistance from teachers or program implementers, it becomes crucial to address the underlying factors hindering the adoption of movement-based learning. At its essence, instilling enthusiasm among students for this innovative approach is paramount. A powerful strategy involves incorporating not just any music, but aligning it with the current tastes of the students, whether it’s hip-hop, dance, or any genre that resonates with them. By tapping into their preferences, we not only enhance engagement but also foster a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. This approach elevates the educational experience and ensures that movement-based learning becomes an integral and exciting part of the curriculum, overcoming any initial reluctance or pushback.
Yes! We recommend:
- Brain-Based Learning: Teaching the Way Students Really Learn and Enriching the Brain: How to Maximize Every Learner’s Potential by Eric Jensen
- Smart Moves: Why Learning Is Not All in Your Head by Carla Hannaford
- What’s Math Got to Do With It? by Jo Boaler
When mats are not in use, we recommend rolling them up. For the larger square mats, folding may be necessary. If you have access to a storage closet or space in your classroom for extra materials, that may be a good place to store the mats.
We have storage options available to purchase here.
We also have created instructions for building your own storage unit.
Download Storage Unit Instructions
Yes—always use tape to secure the floor mats. Tape the top of the floor mat on the left and right corners. Tape the bottom of the floor mat on the left and right corners. Tape the middle of the mat on both sides of the floor mat. We recommend Scotch 3M packaging tape.
All of our Math & Movement and Movement Literacy floor mats will work great with carpeted classrooms and hallways. We recommend either taping the mats with Scotch 3m packing tape or creating velcro stations. However, many schools that have carpets in their buildings do not tape or velcro the floor mats.
We also just released a line of carpet stickers. Check them out here.
All of our mats and stickers are printed on latex-free materials. Our mats are extremely durable, lasting years with proper care. Our stickers are ‘janitor approved’ and can be waxed over to improve durability in high traffic areas.
Our floor mats are made of vinyl, not fabric, but they can be placed on classroom floors to display popular math and literacy concepts just like a classroom learning rug. Plus, our floor mats are easy to roll up and put away when you’re ready to move on to the next concept!
Although the materials are very durable, you might notice some dirt or scuff marks if students are using them with their shoes on. To clean the mats and stickers, mix a solution of soap and water in a spray bottle. Spray down the materials and wipe with a cloth.
Clean floor prior to installation. Sweep area, and then mop with water and dawn dish soap. Let dry for 30-60 minutes. Then, apply denatured alcohol with a clean mop. Only install vinyl stickers on clean, dry surfaces.
Step 1: Unroll your vinyl stickers and allow them to lay flat for 24-48 hours prior to installing
Step 2: Align the sticker in desired location and position
Step 3: Peel the backing of the sticker 3″ to 6″ and firmly press the exposed sticker to the floor (Note: Make sure the sticker does not shift during this process)
Step 4: Pull the sticker over top of itself leaving the first 3″ to 6″ adhered to the floor
Step 5: Peel the backing completely off
Step 6: Using a squeegee, hold the sticker vertically from the ground and push the squeegee along the sticker while keeping tension on the sticker
Complete!
Any small bubbles can easily be worked out or pricked with a pin to release the air underneath. Our stickers are intended to be permanent and not re-positional.
Please note that there are a lot of factors that go into the longevity of your stickers. At this time, it is hard for us to offer a guarantee because of the numerous factors that go into play with installing and maintaining the stickers, i.e, surface prep, and cleaning variables.
We use top-tier sticker material (3M) and laminate to protect the stickers. However, we also recommend applying water-based wax layers over the stickers after they have been applied. The wax will help protect the stickers from foot traffic and cleaners (though please note that we recommend mopping the stickers by hand with soap and water). We do not recommend using a floor scrubber or other automated floor cleaning machine as this may damage the stickers.
Also, before applying the wax please test it with the sample pieces we have included in your order. It is important to make sure the wax does not affect the stickers. Multiple wax layers will protect the stickers. However, we still do not recommend using harsh chemicals or striping the floors where the stickers are installed.
Paint Tips
Look for spray paint that is not acid-based and bottles that say “mural spray paint”. This will give you the least amount of pooling/dripping. Rustoleum oil-based spray paint is a great option. Oil-based paint in cans can also be used. We recommend asking your hardware store if you have questions about the type of surface you are painting on or the amount of paint you may need.
Yes—we accept purchase orders. You can select Purchase Order as an option at checkout or send us the PO directly.
Fax to 1-866-407-1154.
Email to info@mathandmovement.com
Or mail to:
Math & Movement
PO Box 4017
Ithaca, NY 14852
Visit our ‘Request a Quote’ page to explore top-rated materials for your school! Browse our popular kits and resources, then easily add items to your quote. Simply click ‘Add to Quote’ on any items you like to begin building your customized quote today!
You’ll be directed to your ‘Request a Quote’ page where you can review, add more items, or click ‘Send Your Request’ to submit your quote request.
After submitting your quote request. You will receive your quote instantly by email with a PDF attachment. If you don’t see it in your inbox, check your spam folder or contact us at info@mathandmovement.com.
- To review the items and pricing before placing your order.
- To create a purchase order. Many purchasing departments require quotes to create purchase orders.
- To easily add items to your cart and check out when ready.
We have created an online database with activities for those who have purchased materials. Let us know if you’d like to test our database before placing your order!
Yes! We ask that you fill out our ‘New Customer Form’ to make sure we have all of the correct details for working with your school. We will also provide you with a W9 in this form in case you need this to submit an order with your district.
Enjoy our 30-day money-back guarantee for individual item orders. Please note it is 30 days of the invoice or credit card order date. Packages or multiple items will have a 20% restocking fee. Items must not be used or damaged. Please note customers will be responsible for return shipping costs. Prices on the website are subject to change.
Single items usually ship the very next day, and stickers typically head your way within four business days. Have a larger order? Just let us know your deadline, and we’ll give you an accurate shipping estimate. We’re flexible and committed to meeting your timeline!
Our instructional strategies for math are designed to have students move productively! Instead of trying to force students to sit still and focus, Math & Movement allows students to be physically active while learning.
When participating in a Math & Movement activity, students will focus their energy on moving and navigating the academic concept presented to them.
Our research found that kinesthetic activities brought about higher levels of student engagement than traditional teaching methods. Students are more likely to stay on task when they are engaged with their learning!
Active math movements are a great way to release some excess energy while practicing counting in between lessons. Repetitive movements on our materials are helpful for calming students who demonstrate sensory-seeking behaviors.
Our program includes a strategy during movements called “Beanpole.” Beanpole immediately brings the class into control, guides them to focus on the teacher, and gets them to actively listen for the next instruction.
Our workshops include instructions on how to introduce activities and manage classrooms while including movement. You can also check out our blog on Effective Classroom Management Strategies for Elementary Teachers!
Our activity database features activities that are suitable for small-group instruction as well as whole classrooms. Our materials are large enough for multiple students to hop and move on at the same time.
Plus, there are ways to involve students in learning while they are not directly on the material. For instance, with our Skip Counting Mats, students can stand on the sidelines and skip count along as classmates jump on the mat.
Students need more movement throughout the day. Instead of fighting fidgets and sensory-seeking behaviors, educators can productively encourage movement. Math & Movement allows students to move their bodies while learning and staying on task.
Math & Movement uses an evidence-based, active learning approach to boost students’ comprehension and retention. Plus, our movement-based activities are fun and keep students engaged! Many educators find that this dynamic method helps keep students on track and sets them up for academic success.
The program works to help students understand concepts that they may not understand with visual or audible teaching methods alone. It also works to reduce screen time.
Additionally, our program is designed to supplement your school’s existing curriculum. So educators can enhance their existing lesson plans without taking the time to rewrite them.
Movement helps students learn quickly and effectively – and we have the data to prove it!
Our program supplements your school’s existing curriculum. Our materials and activities can easily be matched to grade level concepts and incorporated into the day’s lesson.
Math & Movement also has suggested activities to offer students a mental break. Active math movements are Math & Movement’s short exercise breaks for practicing counting. These breaks are designed for students to do while sitting at their desks, standing between lessons, or traveling in the hallway.
These activities take between 10 seconds and 2 minutes. Math & Movement utilizes downtimes. Our activities simultaneously strengthen math ability, offer movement breaks, and energize students.
Encouraging the children to lead their classmates in the Math & Movement activities strengthen leadership skills in children. In addition, when children lead, the teacher has the opportunity to help struggling children.
Yes. Classroom teachers may lead the students in physical education and receive credit for the physical education minutes, provided:
- The Director of Physical Education puts the additional minutes for physical education into the district physical education plan.
- The Director of Physical Education approves the physical education plan.
- The physical education teacher supervises the pe activities (the pe teacher does not have to be in the classroom, but he/she does have to be available to answer technical questions.)
- The physical education in the classroom is monitored, and tracked with a form.
- The classroom teachers receive professional development instruction on the activities and how to keep track the physical education minutes.
- The extra physical education minutes are written in the classroom lesson plans.
- Physical education is integrated into other core subject areas.
*Please note that the above comments may differ by state. Please contact your state education department for final approval.
Math & Movement can be incorporated in three four-minute chunks of time per day, fifteen-minute segments for four days a week or twelve-minute segments each day. The individual classroom teacher can thus lead the activities at their convenience.
Math & Movement can strengthen math skills at any age, including high school! Our kinesthetic approach is particularly helpful for concepts that students cannot understand easily through visual and audible teaching methods alone.
All students benefit from the practice of skip counting. After children learn to multiply, the continual practice of skip counting facilitates the process of learning division, fractions, factoring, algebra and advanced mathematics.
Yes. The only change that is necessary to use Multiply With Me in the classroom is to use stickers instead of food items for counting. In fact, in a pilot study conducted in a first-grade classroom, children using the Multiply With Me program showed an average 550% increase in math ability after only 17.5 hours. And the children loved the activities.