Math

Math is Fun!!!

Below are a few math resources that can be used at home. Remember, the goal is to keep the learning fun!

Uses for Number Flash Cards: (Found at bottom of page)

Memory/Concentration: Make 2 copies of the numbers you're using, mix up the numbers (use about 10-12 numbers at a time so your "pool" of numbers is 24 cards max.) Place the number cards face down (so you cannot see the numbers) and take turns trying to find two numbers that match. If you find a match, set them aside. If not, turn your cards back over and try again.
Go Fish (You could do the same with the alphabet too!)
Number matching: Take 2 sets of number cards, lay one set out on the table. Take the second set, shuffle the cards and then match the numbers together (naming the numbers as you find the match).
Play "Top-It" (a.k.a. War)
Sequencing Numbers (1, 2, 3,...) (By the end of the year, kids need to be able to put numbers in order from 1-30.)
Skill & Drill (memorizing numbers)

100's Chart: (Found at bottom of page)

Practice finding different numbers on the chart.
Look for patterns in the numbers (Why do all these numbers start with a 2? Or, notice how these numbers all have a 0 at the end?)
Color all the numbers that have a 0 (zero) on the end. Count them (counting by 10's)
Color/count by 5's: Color the numbers with a 5 or a 0 (zero) on the end. Count them.
Color/count by 2's: a.k.a. Skip counting...color the number 2 and then every other number after that. Even/Odd numbers.
Guess the covered number!
Cut out a small square and cover up a number. Guess what one is missing.

Thinking and Doing Math at Home

Take a walk. Count the steps to a mailbox, the end of your driveway, a neighbor's house. Ask, what number is one more? One less?
Choose a building or house near you and count the number of windows.
Count the number of cars going by. Make the activity more challenging by looking for a certain color.
See how many times your child can bounce a ball before it stops.
Count how many bites it takes to finish a cracker (or other small snack.)
Start a family collection (pennies, shells, stones) and count the collection from time to time.
Plan a picnic. How many friends will be eating? How much of each item will you need?
Line up food items to go in the cooler and count them. The _________ goes in first, the ________ goes in second, the ____________ goes in third, and so on.
Look around. Can you name five things that are above your head? Below your head?
Have a treasure hunt. Find something small, find something large.
Bake a snack. How many numbers can you find in the kitchen.
Use non-standard measurement to measure items in your house. How many pennies long is your bed? How many pieces of cereal is the counter?
Use a calendar to keep track of the days.
When it's time for yet another snack, take a handful and estimate how many you can fit into one handful, then check your estimation. Which family member gets the largest snack?
Take a shape hunt around your house. Can you find five circles? What about five squares? Challenge? Can you find 3-D shapes, such as a cube, cone, or cylinder around your house too?
While driving, look for numbers and add two together.
Get some laundry help! Have your child match socks.
Have some water fun. Start with one cup, then pour it into other containers. Does it still look the same? Is it higher or lower, why? Which container will hold the most or the least?
Take a hike and look for patterns in nature. How do leaves look the same or different?
Make a list of all the different shapes found in traffic signs. Be sure to look for shapes inside of other shapes!
Record the temperature. Practice reading the numbers.

Just keep thinking as you're sure to come up with more of your own ways to "find" math everyday!