How to Teach PEMDAS to Kids (The Easy Way That Actually Works)
If you’re trying to teach PEMDAS to kids, you’ve probably run into this problem:
They know what PEMDAS stands for…
…but they still get the answers wrong.
Take a simple problem:
8 + 2 × 5
Many kids will say 50 instead of 18.
Why? Because they’re guessing — not following the order of operations.
Let’s fix that.
What Is PEMDAS? (Order of Operations Explained Simply)
PEMDAS stands for:
Parentheses
Exponents
Multiplication
Division
Addition
Subtraction
It’s the rule that tells us the correct order to solve math problems.
Without it, math would be inconsistent — everyone would get different answers.
But here’s what most kids don’t realize:
👉 PEMDAS is not just something to memorize
👉 It’s something you have to practice using
Why Kids Struggle with PEMDAS
Even when kids memorize PEMDAS, they often:
Solve problems left to right
Forget which operation comes next
Rush through steps
Lose confidence when they get it wrong
The result?
Frustration, confusion, and a belief that “I’m just bad at math.”
But the truth is simple:
They don’t need more memorization — they need better practice.
The Best Way to Practice PEMDAS (Without Boring Worksheets)
Traditional practice looks like:
Worksheets
Repetition drills
Flashcards
And while those can work… they usually don’t keep kids engaged.
That’s where learning starts to break down.
Kids learn best when they’re:
Interested
Challenged
Motivated to keep going
So instead of forcing more worksheets, the better approach is:
👉 Turn practice into a game
A Fun Way to Learn Order of Operations: PEMDASH
PEMDASH is a daily math puzzle game designed to help kids (and adults) master PEMDAS through play.
Here’s how it works:
Each day, there’s a new equation
There are multiple possible answers (at least 20!)
But only one correct solution in the right order
That means you can’t just guess — you have to think through each step using PEMDAS.
It’s similar to Wordle… but for math.
Why PEMDASH Helps Kids Learn Faster
PEMDASH works because it combines three key learning principles:
1. Daily Practice
Short, consistent repetition builds real understanding over time.
2. Active Problem Solving
Kids aren’t just solving — they’re figuring out the correct order step-by-step.
3. Built-In Motivation
It feels like a challenge, not homework — so kids actually want to keep playing.
Help Your Child Master PEMDAS (Starting Today)
The goal isn’t just to get the right answer.
It’s to build the confidence to look at any math problem and think:
“I know exactly what to do first.”
That confidence starts with practice — the right kind of practice.