Math Activities

*PATTERNS - - - (Skills: shape/pattern recognition, sorting, visual memory, small motor, repetition)

Simple geometric shapes provide a fun challenge for young children . . . have them create or look for simple and complicated patterns.

Items: Graph paper/wrapping paper/magazines/cereal pieces/beads/foam shapes/construction paper or colored index cards are great items to keep on hand in the home. Each will provide opportunities for children to experiment with pattern creations.

Outside time can provide a glimpse into 'patterns in nature'. Trees, flowers, bark, animals, stars, etc. are all excellent starters for looking for patterns that exist in nature. Children can verbalize and draw each discovery out. Creating a booklet would be exciting for a child. Adding a new chapter periodically would be a great way to have your child experience the writing component also.

Things to Think About - - - Which patterns did you have difficulty figuring out or creating ? What were the hardest patterns to figure out? What patterns did you notice around you? Can you think of some patterns in your classroom?

Literature Links: Patterns and Puzzles in Mathematics by Sylvia Horne , Patterns of Nature Photos by Jeffrey Baker, Jump Frog Jump by Robert Kalan

*Count and Estimate - - - (Skills: counting, numerical value, size/space relationships, estimating)

Simple kitchen items provide insight into understanding numerical values.

Items: Beans/rice/jar lids/cereal bits/measuring spoons/food boxes or food labels are ideal for incorporating math skills.

Have children experiment with various items . . . by counting them, sorting them, grouping them, measuring them and estimating the amounts of each item. (beans, cereal bits, etc.) Having conversations about WHAT you are doing (related to math) will inspire young minds to think mathematically.

Measuring with spoons or estimating by using jar lids will give valuable lessons related to measurement. Children will love dumping and pouring items from one device to another. Large pizza pans or platters make great 'catchers' underneath as they have FUN. :-)

Look for math measurements on food boxes or labels. Finding numbers on these will lead to math conversations and lessons. Ask questions about the ingredients and numbers and compare each from different boxes or labels. Children will love counting calories, finding different numbers and learning about nutrition/dietetic components/ and servings all from a label or boxed item.

Things to Think About - - -

Did the size or shape of your items make a difference when you measured ?

In what ways would estimating help in your real life ?

What are some of the ways to sort your items ? Group them ?

Literature Links:

Billions of Bugs by Haris Petie, How Much Is A Million? by David Schwartz, Weird Wonder and Bizarre Blunders by Brad Schreiber

*Pizza Party - - - Yum!!! (Skills: calculating combinations, sorting, introduction to probability)

A favorite meal item can become an appetizing lesson in mathematical skills and an introduction to probability.

Items: Construction paper of varied colors representing pizza toppings, snack size paper plates (white).

Create a few pizzas using the plates and colored paper. Create a few with single toppings and a few with mixed toppings. Some toppings to include may be pepperoni/cheese/olives/mushrooms/green peppers/fruit. Once the pizzas are created then cut them in different ways (1/2, 4 slices, 6 slices, 8 slices). Play 'Pizza Palace' and place orders for varied types of pizzas. Kids will LOVE creating the orders. You may also ti in money connections and counting change back by using play money.

Plan a pizza party for your family or a birthday party. List the items needed and calculate the cost