Here is a great teacher sponge activity know as Silent Math.

This activity requires students to answer math questions with nonverbal finger signals.

Students are taught the nonverbal signals for adding (crossed pointer fingers), subtracting (horizontal pointerfinger), multiplying (forearms crossed in an X), and dividing (one hand horizontal and the pointer and thumb from the other hand placed above and below as dots).

The teacher gives the class a problem (i.e. 3 + 5) using the nonverbal signlas, then nods for the class to signal their nonverbal answer back. Students are to place nonverbal signals close to their chest to prevent cheating.

Silent Math can also be done with upper grade levels…The teacher can simply ask a multi-step problem such as 10 x 10 x 7 ÷ 5 ÷ 10 - 8. The teacher just needs to make sure the final answer is 10 or less in order to be able to signal the correct answer.

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