My older son's favorite subject is math. Although I'm no slouch, mathematics is not my greatest skill and I know I will not be able to help him much as his school math lessons get harder. Most of the math channels on YouTube that we've come across are very, very, very dry and are just like watching a teacher demonstrate problem solving in class. Instead, these videos are FUN.
With one exception, most of these are for older kids, but parents will probably enjoy watching them too.
MORE: visit our post of COOL Science YouTube channels.
Also, check out our favorite math activities in action!
See more of our favorite math activities in action!
MORE: See our favorite hands-on math activities for kids.
Math YouTube Videos:
ViHart. There is only one word I can use to describe ViHart's videos: addictive. If you haven't already watched "mathemuscian" ViHart's videos you are in for a treat. The mathematical concepts can be pretty sophisticated, but her animations make them very watchable. My numbers nerd adores them, and after watching the hexaflexagon video, this Flex Mex one had him giggling.
The videos on the Ted-Ed channel are not limited to math but they have a few good math videos if you search for them, including this one which explains why there are an equal number of whole numbers as even numbers even though only ever other number is even. (Yes, I'm confused just reading that sentence.)
Khan Academy. Last spring my 9 year old started on the Khan Academy program. He is a very self-motivated student (unlike my 5 year old) so it works well for him. The videos they have are very useful, but they are sort of dry so I suggest they be used with the online program and not as stand-alone unless you are looking for a very specific mathematical explanation. They have videos on every subject under the sun.
Schoolhouse Rock. I am not even joking here! Didn't you learn stuff with these awesome songs when you were a kid? The official Schoolhouse Rock channel has a fee, but you can find them all for free somewhere on YouTube simply by searching "Schoolhouse Rock". Here's one of my favorites: Zero the Hero
Numberphile. Sometimes these videos are too "talky" for my kids (especially my younger son), but there are so many that you will surely find something. Ever wonder about the link between pi and The Simpsons? Want infinity explained? Do your kids like chess and sudoku and wonder about the math? Here's one which gives you the secret to a perfect game of Connect Four.
Mathantics is a bit more visually interesting for kids than most of the "whiteboard math" videos that you find. There are a lot of topics for elementary math skills.
Do you use YouTube for extra-curricular learning? Just for fun? What are some channels you recommend?
Jacquie says
Totally LOVE Schoolhouse rock videos! And we need work on our math so perfect timing - thanks for the great resources.
Natalie PlanetSmartyPants says
Great stuff! My daughter also uses Khan Academy, but in a more organized way, so she tries to practice the skill first and then watches a video on it when she is stuck. I found the videos pretty good explaining specific concepts, but, of course, they would appear dry if taken out of context of their math course.
Ann says
Math food!
(Connect Four video) probably why I find tick tack toe maddening.
My one regret about going to art school was no more math classes. I always enjoyed math. I will definitely share these with my kids.
Erica MomandKiddo says
It's funny that math is not part of an art school curriculum because math and art do really go together!
ailikate says
We love Vi Hart so much! She is frequently quote or referred to in our house and since her infinity videos my daughter wants to have an infinity party. Another older math show you can find on youtube is Square One, it jumps around quite a bit, but it taught me the Fibonacci sequence, the nine times tables and assorted geometry facts. You can also find MathNet, the final segment from most of the shows, on it's own. We will be checking some of these out soon. I love that videos feel like a break for both of us but often really reinforce whatever concept we've been covering in a way that sticks.
Math Teacher Institute says
Math Teacher Institute is starting up a free series of "blow your mind math" videos that offer some pretty interesting concepts. Also, for parents and teachers there is a free "teaching algebra" course starting up on http://www.mathteacherinstitute.com
Julie says
You just made my homeschool planning for the coming year easier. I'm making YouTube playlists for my kids. Got the math stuff covered now. Thanks, Erica!
Kid2kidtutorials says
There is another great math channel on YouTube, https://youtu.be/sqhqaPMjhPo