Order of Operations Mobile Teaches the Concept

Posted by Erica Warren on

Order of Operations is a difficult concept for young learners, and many teachers use strategies to help students learn the sequence of mathematical steps. The acronyms, such as "PEMDAS" or "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally," are common memory strategies that teachers use to help students remember the order of operations. 
Order of Operations lesson

Order of Operations Can Be Confusing

However, this mnemonic suggests a specific sequence which can cause confusion. Mistakes may result if the student is unaware that multiplication and division as well as addition and subtraction is of equal ranking order. When one has operations of the same rank, the problem must be solved from left to right. For instance, 10 5 + 2 is not 10 - 7, but is actually 5 + 2, because one solves the problem from left to right. This can be a complicated concept for kids to understand when working with a linear strategy. This is why the My Pet PEMDAS mobile is a fun, memorable and multisensory activity that solves this problem once and for all.

My Pet PEMDAS Solves the Problem!

Students can now visualize their pet PEMDAS as a mobile with arms and legs that twist and turn. On one side of the mobile, the left hand displays the letter M and the right hand displays the letter D. On the other side of the mobile, students can place the letter D in the left hand and the letter M in the right. The same can be done for the feet with A for addition and S for subtraction. You can also have students display both letters such as M/D on the hands and A/S on the feet. I have received many emails from teachers that claim their students grasped the concept quickly and that their classrooms to be filled with a colorful mobiles that their student’s created.
Child learning multiplication tables

Tell Me More About This Publication:


Order of operations mobile activityThis 27-page digital download makes order of operation lesson plans multisensory, easy and enjoyable. First, from cut-outs, students create their own pet PEMDAS mobile. With more than 100 different combinations, each student can make their own unique mobile. Students have the option of selecting images in color or black and white. With the later option, participants can color their mobiles to make their Pet PEMDAS one of a kind. When students are done, their mobiles can be hung around the classroom or the house so that the lesson continues to serve as a reminder when needed. After students have finished their pet PEMDAS, they can practice their new knowledge with the included brain teasing activities. The publication is only $6.99. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
Multisensory Math Resources
Cheers, Dr. Erica Warren
Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses.

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